ptp10qsept07.htm
 


 
UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549

FORM 10-Q

 x
QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
 
For the quarterly period ended September 30, 2007
   
 
OR
   
 
TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
 
For the transition period from __________ to __________

Commission File Number 001-31341

Platinum Underwriters Holdings, Ltd.
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

Bermuda
 
98-0416483
(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization)
 
(I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)

The Belvedere Building
69 Pitts Bay Road
Pembroke, Bermuda
 
HM 08
(Address of principal executive offices)
 
(Zip Code)

(441) 295-7195
(Registrant's telephone number, including area code)

Not Applicable
(Former name, former address and former fiscal year, if changed since last report)

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant: (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days.      Yes  X   No ___

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer or a non-accelerated filer.  See definition of "accelerated filer and large accelerated filer" in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act. (Check one):
 
Large accelerated filer
X
 
Accelerated filer
   
Non-accelerated filer
 

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act).         Yes   No X_

As of October 19, 2007, there were outstanding 57,213,377 common shares, par value $0.01 per share, of the registrant.

 

 
PLATINUM UNDERWRITERS HOLDINGS, LTD.
QUARTERLY REPORT ON FORM 10-Q FOR THE QUARTER ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 2007

TABLE OF CONTENTS
 
Page
   
PART I  –  FINANCIAL INFORMATION
 
   
Item 1. Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements
 
   
Consolidated Balance Sheets as of September 30, 2007 (Unaudited) and December 31, 2006
1
Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Income for the Three and Nine Months Ended
September 30, 2007 and 2006 (Unaudited)
2
Consolidated Statements of Changes in Shareholders’ Equity for the Nine Months Ended September 30, 2007 and 2006 (Unaudited)
3
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the Nine Months Ended September 30, 2007 and 2006 (Unaudited)
4
Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements for the Three and Nine Months Ended September 30, 2007 and 2006 (Unaudited)
5
   
Item 2. Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations
20
Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk
37
Item 4. Controls and Procedures
38
   
PART II  –  OTHER INFORMATION
 
   
Item 2. Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds
40
Item 6. Exhibits
40
   
SIGNATURES
41
 
 

 
 PART I - FINANCIAL INFORMATION
 
ITEM 1. CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
Platinum Underwriters Holdings, Ltd. and Subsidiaries
Consolidated Balance Sheets
($ in thousands, except share data)
                                                                  
       
 (Unaudited)
       
       
September 30, 2007
   
December 31, 2006
 
ASSETS
               
Investments:
               
Fixed maturity available-for-sale securities at fair value (amortized cost – $3,472,488 and $3,276,970, respectively)
      $ 3,425,874     $ 3,226,354  
Fixed maturity trading securities at fair value (amortized cost – $169,437 and $110,845, respectively)
             
108,291
 
Preferred stocks (cost – $11,246 and $11,246, respectively)
             
10,772
 
Other invested asset
       
     
4,745
 
Short-term investments
             
27,123
 
Total investments
             
3,377,285
 
Cash and cash equivalents
             
851,652
 
Accrued investment income
             
32,682
 
Reinsurance premiums receivable
             
377,183
 
Reinsurance recoverable on ceded losses and loss adjustment expenses
             
57,956
 
Prepaid reinsurance premiums
             
9,680
 
Funds held by ceding companies
             
238,499
 
Deferred acquisition costs
             
82,610
 
Income tax recoverable
             
7,515
 
Deferred tax assets
             
38,577
 
Other assets
             
19,928
 
Total assets
      $ 5,200,180     $ 5,093,567  
                     
LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY
                   
Liabilities
                   
Unpaid losses and loss adjustment expenses
      $ 2,363,274     $ 2,368,482  
Unearned premiums
             
349,792
 
Reinsurance deposit liabilities
             
4,009
 
Debt obligations
             
292,840
 
Ceded premiums payable
             
17,597
 
Commissions payable
             
140,835
 
Deferred tax liabilities
             
4,234
 
Other liabilities
             
57,717
 
Total liabilities
       
3,196,494
     
3,235,506
 
                     
Shareholders’ Equity
                   
Preferred shares, $.01 par value, 25,000,000 shares authorized, 5,750,000 shares issued and outstanding
       
57
     
57
 
Common shares, $.01 par value, 200,000,000 shares authorized, 57,210,877 and 59,671,959 shares issued and outstanding, respectively
       
572
     
597
 
Additional paid-in capital
       
1,458,721
     
1,545,979
 
Accumulated other comprehensive loss
        (44,111 )     (44,289 )
Retained earnings
       
588,447
     
355,717
 
Total shareholders' equity
             
1,858,061
 
Total liabilities and shareholders' equity
      $ 5,200,180     $ 5,093,567  
 
See accompanying Notes to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.
 
- 1 -

 
Platinum Underwriters Holdings, Ltd. and Subsidiaries
Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Income (Unaudited)
For the Three and Nine Months Ended September 30, 2007 and 2006
($ in thousands, except per share data)

   
Three Months Ended
September 30,
     
Nine Months Ended
September 30,
 
   
2007
   
2006
     
2007
   
2006
 
Revenue:
                         
Net premiums earned
  $ 290,310      
339,609
       
871,076
    $ 1,020,975  
Net investment income
         
48,302
             
137,165
 
Net realized gains (losses) on investments
    (864 )     (57 )       (2,521 )    
22
 
Other income (expense)
    (659 )    
1,714
        (3,645 )     (1,927 )
Total revenue
   
343,070
     
389,568
       
1,025,576
     
1,156,235
 
                                   
Expenses:
                                 
Net losses and loss adjustment expenses
   
163,923
     
191,428
       
510,267
     
585,666
 
Net acquisition expenses
   
51,445
     
74,994
       
156,392
     
220,285
 
Operating expenses
         
25,348
             
71,728
 
Net foreign currency exchange (gains) losses
    (1,429 )    
228
        (2,887 )     (461 )
Interest expense
         
5,452
             
16,352
 
Total expenses
   
247,557
     
297,450
       
757,615
     
893,570
 
                                   
Income before income tax expense
         
92,118
             
262,665
 
Income tax expense
         
7,195
             
18,958
 
Net income
         
84,923
             
243,707
 
Preferred dividends
         
2,602
       
7,806
     
7,780
 
Net income attributable to common shareholders
  $ 88,701      
82,321
            $ 235,927  
                                   
Earnings per share:
                                 
Basic earnings per share
  $ 1.50      
1.38
       
4.15
    $ 3.98  
Diluted earnings per share
  $ 1.37      
1.28
       
3.79
    $ 3.68  
                                   
Comprehensive income:
                                 
Net income
  $ 91,303      
84,923
       
254,786
    $ 243,707  
Other comprehensive income (loss):
                                 
Net change in unrealized gains and losses on available-for-sale securities, net of deferred taxes
   
23,718
     
53,893
       
853
      (6,002 )
Cumulative translation adjustments
   
1
     
48
        (675 )    
223
 
Comprehensive income
  $ 115,022      
138,864
       
254,964
    $ 237,928  
                                   
Shareholder dividends:
                                 
Preferred dividends declared
  $ 2,602      
2,602
            $ 7,216  
Preferred dividends declared per share
   
0.45
     
0.45
       
1.36
     
1.26
 
Common dividends declared
   
4,639
     
4,767
       
14,250
     
14,254
 
Common dividends declared per share
  $ 0.08      
0.08
       
0.24
    $ 0.24  

See accompanying Notes to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.
 
- 2 -

Platinum Underwriters Holdings, Ltd. and Subsidiaries
Consolidated Statements of Changes in Shareholders’ Equity (Unaudited)
For the Nine Months Ended September 30, 2007 and 2006
($ in thousands)

   
2007
   
2006
 
Preferred shares:
           
Balances at beginning and end of periods
  $ 57     $ 57  
                 
Common shares:
               
Balances at beginning of period
   
597
     
590
 
Exercise of share options
   
10
     
5
 
Issuance of restricted shares
   
     
1
 
Purchase of common shares
    (35 )    
 
Balances at end of period
         
596
 
                 
Additional paid-in-capital:
               
Balances at beginning of period
   
1,545,979
     
1,527,316
 
Exercise of common share options
   
22,629
     
12,224
 
Share based compensation
         
5,155
 
Purchase of common shares
    (116,938 )    
 
Tax benefit of share options
   
949
     
 
Transfer of unearned common share grant compensation
   
      (2,467 )
Balances at end of period
         
1,542,228
 
                 
Unearned common share grant compensation:
               
Balances at beginning of period
   
      (2,467 )
Transfer of unearned common share grant compensation
   
     
2,467
 
Balances at end of period
   
     
 
                 
Accumulated other comprehensive loss:
               
Balances at beginning of period
    (44,289 )     (40,718 )
Net change in unrealized gains and losses on available-for-sale securities, net of deferred tax
          (6,002 )
Net change in cumulative translation adjustments
    (675 )    
223
 
Balances at end of period
    (44,111 )     (46,497 )
                 
Retained earnings:
               
Balances at beginning of period
   
355,717
     
55,471
 
Net income
   
254,786
     
243,707
 
Preferred share dividends
    (7,806 )     (7,780 )
Common share dividends
    (14,250 )     (14,254 )
Balances at end of period
         
277,144
 
Total shareholders’ equity
  $ 2,003,686     $ 1,773,528  

See accompanying Notes to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.
 
- 3 -

Platinum Underwriters Holdings, Ltd. and Subsidiaries
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (Unaudited)
For the Nine Months Ended September 30, 2007 and 2006
($ in thousands)
   
2007
   
2006
 
Operating Activities:
           
Net income
  $ 254,786     $ 243,707  
Adjustments to reconcile net income to cash provided by operations:
               
Depreciation and amortization
   
9,580
     
12,298
 
Net realized (gains) losses on investments
   
2,521
      (22 )
Net foreign currency exchange gains
    (2,887 )     (461 )
Share based compensation
   
6,102
     
5,155
 
Deferred income tax expense
    (9,960 )     (2,446 )
Trading securities activities
    (45,124 )     (15,019 )
Changes in assets and liabilities:
               
Increase in accrued investment income
    (1,235 )     (1,126 )
Decrease in reinsurance premiums receivable
   
81,568
     
182,397
 
Decrease in funds held by ceding companies
   
73,004
     
42,270
 
Decrease in deferred acquisition costs
   
8
     
40,605
 
Increase in net unpaid losses and loss adjustment expenses
   
6,627
     
35,723
 
Increase (decrease) in net unearned premiums
   
9,706
      (115,220 )
Increase (decrease) in reinsurance deposit liabilities
   
1,605
      (2,045 )
Increase (decrease) in ceded premiums payable
    (16,069 )    
10,066
 
Decrease in commissions payable
    (35,110 )     (42,982 )
Net changes in other assets and liabilities
   
7,758
     
66,521
 
Other net
   
935
     
577
 
Net cash provided by operating activities
         
459,998
 
                 
Investing Activities:
               
Proceeds from sale of available-for-sale fixed maturity securities
         
195,899
 
Proceeds from maturity or paydown of available-for-sale fixed maturity securities
         
184,609
 
Acquisition of available-for-sale fixed maturity securities
    (1,231,479 )     (847,276 )
Proceeds from sale of other invested asset
   
4,745
     
 
Net change in short-term investments
    (5,859 )     (31,412 )
Net cash used in investing activities
    (307,548 )     (498,180 )
                 
Financing Activities:
               
Dividends paid to preferred shareholders
    (7,806 )     (7,216 )
Dividends paid to common shareholders
    (14,250 )     (14,254 )
Proceeds from exercise of share options
         
12,229
 
Purchase of common shares
    (116,973 )    
 
Net cash used in financing activities
    (116,389 )     (9,241 )
                 
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents
    (80,122 )     (47,423 )
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period
   
851,652
     
820,746
 
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period
  $ 771,530     $ 773,323  
                 
Supplemental disclosures of cash flow information:
               
Income taxes paid (recovered)
  $ 21,470     $ (3,342 )
Interest paid
  $ 16,110     $ 16,109  

See accompanying Notes to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.
 
- 4 -

Platinum Underwriters Holdings, Ltd. and Subsidiaries
Notes to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited)
For the Three and Nine Months Ended September 30, 2007 and 2006
 
1. Basis of Presentation
 
Platinum Underwriters Holdings, Ltd. ("Platinum Holdings") is a Bermuda holding company organized in 2002.  We provide property and marine, casualty and finite risk reinsurance coverages, through reinsurance intermediaries, to a diverse clientele of insurers and select reinsurers on a worldwide basis.  Platinum Holdings and its subsidiaries (collectively, the "Company") operate through two licensed reinsurance subsidiaries:  Platinum Underwriters Bermuda, Ltd. ("Platinum Bermuda") and Platinum Underwriters Reinsurance, Inc. ("Platinum US").  Through December 31, 2006 we also underwrote business through Platinum Re (UK) Limited ("Platinum UK"), our other licensed reinsurance subsidiary.  In 2007 Platinum UK ceased underwriting reinsurance business.
 
The condensed consolidated financial statements have been prepared in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States ("U.S. GAAP") and include the accounts of Platinum Holdings and its consolidated subsidiaries, including Platinum Bermuda, Platinum US, Platinum UK, Platinum Underwriters Finance, Inc. ("Platinum Finance"), Platinum Regency Holdings ("Platinum Regency"), Platinum Administrative Services, Inc. and Platinum UK Services Company Limited.  The terms "we", "us", and "our" also refer to Platinum Holdings and its consolidated subsidiaries, unless the context otherwise indicates.  All material inter-company transactions have been eliminated in preparing these condensed consolidated financial statements.  The condensed consolidated financial statements included in this report as of and for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2007 and 2006 are unaudited and include adjustments consisting of normal recurring items that management considers necessary for a fair presentation under U.S. GAAP.  These condensed consolidated financial statements should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements and related notes included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2006.
 
The preparation of financial statements requires us to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period.  Actual results could materially differ from these estimates.  The results of operations for any interim period are not necessarily indicative of results for the full year.
 
Recently Effective Accounting Standards
 
In February 2006, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (the "FASB") issued Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 155, "Accounting for Certain Hybrid Instruments, an Amendment of FASB Statements No. 133 and 140" ("SFAS 155").  SFAS 155 requires that investments in securitized financial instruments, such as mortgage-backed and asset-backed securities, be evaluated to identify whether they are freestanding investments or hybrid financial instruments containing an embedded derivative that requires bifurcation.  Subsequent to the issuance of SFAS 155, the FASB issued additional guidance in the form of Implementation Issue B40.  Implementation Issue B40 provides a narrow scope exception for certain securitized interests in prepayable financial assets, subject to certain criteria.  Securitized financial instruments with the potential for prepayment are evaluated under SFAS 155 and related guidance, possibly resulting in the bifurcation of an embedded derivative.  The embedded derivative is recorded at fair value, with unrealized gains and losses included in other income (expense) and the related deferred income tax included in income tax expense.  SFAS 155 and related guidance is effective for all financial instruments acquired, issued, or subject to a remeasurement event occurring for the Company after December 31, 2006.  We do not have any securities with embedded derivatives that require bifurcation under SFAS 155.
 
We adopted the provisions of FASB Interpretation No. 48, "Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes - an Interpretation of FASB Statement No. 109" ("FIN 48") on January 1, 2007.  FIN 48 prescribes a recognition threshold and measurement attribute for the financial statement recognition and measurement of a tax position taken or expected to be taken in a tax return and provides guidance on derecognition, classification, interest and penalties, accounting in interim periods, disclosure, and transition.  The adoption of FIN 48 did not have any effect on our results of operations or financial condition.  We did not have any unrecognized tax benefits as of January 1, 2007 or September 30, 2007.
 
In September 2006, the FASB issued Statement No. 157, “Fair Value Measurements” ("SFAS 157"). This statement defines fair value, establishes a framework for measuring fair value and expands disclosures regarding fair value measurements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles.  SFAS 157 clarifies that fair value is a market-based measurement, not an entity-specific measurement, focuses on how to measure fair value and establishes a three-level hierarchy for both measurement and disclosure purposes.  Under SFAS 157, fair value measurements would be separately disclosed by level within the fair value hierarchy.  SFAS 157 is effective for financial statements issued for fiscal years beginning after November 15, 2007, and interim periods within those fiscal years.  We are currently evaluating the impact, if any, of the adoption of SFAS 157 on our financial condition and results of operations.
 
- 5 -

 
Platinum Underwriters Holdings, Ltd. and Subsidiaries
Notes to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited), continued
For the Three and Nine Months Ended September 30, 2007 and 2006
 
In February 2007, the FASB issued SFAS No. 159, “The Fair Value Option for Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities” ("SFAS 159").  SFAS 159 permits an entity to irrevocably elect fair value on a contract-by-contract basis as the initial and subsequent measurement attribute for many financial assets and liabilities and certain other items.  Most provisions of SFAS 159 are elective.  Entities electing the fair value measurement attribute of SFAS 159 would be required to recognize changes in fair value in earnings and to expense upfront costs and fees associated with the item for which the fair value option is elected.  SFAS 159 is effective for fiscal years beginning after November 15, 2007.  We are currently evaluating which financial assets and liabilities, if any, that we would elect to account for using the fair value measurement attribute of SFAS 159 and the impact, if any, on our financial condition and results of operations.
 
2. Investments
 
Investments classified as available-for-sale are carried at fair value as of the balance sheet date.  Net change in unrealized investment gains and losses on available-for-sale securities, net of deferred taxes, for the nine months ended September 30, 2007 and 2006 were as follows ($ in thousands):
 
   
2007
   
2006
 
Available-for-sale securities
  $ 2,894     $ (5,782 )
Less - deferred taxes
    (2,041 )     (220 )
Net change in unrealized investment gains and losses
  $ 853     $ (6,002 )
 
Gross unrealized gains and losses on available-for-sale securities as of September 30, 2007 were $5,621,000 and $53,814,000, respectively.  As of September 30, 2007 there were a total of 556 issues in an unrealized loss position in our investment portfolio, with the single largest unrealized loss being $1,797,000.  Corporate, mortgage-backed and asset-backed securities represent our largest categories within our available-for-sale portfolio and consequently accounted for the greatest amount of our overall unrealized loss as of September 30, 2007.  Investment holdings within our corporate portfolio were diversified across approximately 30 industry sectors, ranging from aerospace to telecommunications, and within each sector across many individual issuers and issues.  As of September 30, 2007 there were 245 corporate issues in an unrealized loss position, with the single largest unrealized loss being $929,000.  Investment holdings within the mortgage-backed and asset-backed portfolio were diversified across a number of sub-categories.  As of September 30, 2007 there were 249 issues within the mortgage-backed and asset-backed portfolio in an unrealized loss position, with the single largest unrealized loss being $1,797,000.  Overall, our unrealized loss position as of September 30, 2007 was primarily the result of interest rate increases that impacted all investment categories.
 
The unrealized losses on securities classified as available-for-sale, aggregated by investment category and length of time that individual securities have been in a continuous unrealized loss position as of September 30, 2007, were as follows ($ in thousands):
   
Fair Value
   
Unrealized
Loss
 
Less than twelve months:
           
U.S. Government
  $ 7,419     $ 148  
Corporate bonds
   
578,231
     
4,874
 
Mortgage-backed and asset-backed securities
   
445,858
     
9,215
 
Municipal bonds
   
6,496
     
58
 
Foreign governments and states
   
11,784
     
75
 
Total
   
1,049,788
     
14,370
 
                 
Twelve months or more:
               
U.S. Government
  $ 36,393     $ 964  
Corporate bonds
   
714,104
     
16,511
 
Mortgage-backed and asset-backed securities
   
579,562
     
18,344
 
Municipal bonds
   
169,365
     
1,789
 
Foreign governments and states
   
22,917
     
257
 
Preferred stocks
   
9,667
     
1,579
 
Total
   
1,532,008
     
39,444
 
 
- 6 -

Platinum Underwriters Holdings, Ltd. and Subsidiaries
Notes to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited), continued
For the Three and Nine Months Ended September 30, 2007 and 2006
 
      Fair Value       
Unrealized
Loss 
 
Total of securities with unrealized losses:
               
U.S. Government
   
43,812
     
1,112
 
Corporate bonds
   
1,292,335
     
21,385
 
Mortgage-backed and asset-backed securities
   
1,025,420
     
27,559
 
Municipal bonds
   
175,861
     
1,847
 
Foreign governments and states
   
34,701
     
332
 
Preferred stocks
   
9,667
     
1,579
 
Total
  $ 2,581,796     $ 53,814  
    
    We routinely review our available-for-sale investments to determine whether unrealized losses represent temporary changes in fair value or were the result of "other-than-temporary impairments."  The process of determining whether a security is other than temporarily impaired is subjective and involves analyzing many factors.  These factors include but are not limited to:  the overall financial condition of the issuer, the length and magnitude of an unrealized loss, specific credit events, the collateral structure and credit support that may be applicable to asset and mortgage-backed securities.  We also consider our ability and intent to hold a security for a sufficient period of time for the value to recover the unrealized loss, which is based, in part, on current and anticipated future positive net cash flows from operations that generate sufficient liquidity in order to meet our obligations.  If we determine that an unrealized loss on a security is other than temporary, we write down the carrying value of the security and record a realized loss in the consolidated statement of operations.  We recorded a charge of $809,000 relating to other-than-temporary impairments which was included within net realized losses on investments in the consolidated statement of operations.
 
As of December 31, 2006, other invested asset represented an investment in Inter-Ocean Holdings Ltd., a privately held reinsurance company.  During the first quarter of 2007 we sold this investment at its carrying value, resulting in no gain or loss.
 
3. Earnings Per Share
 
The following is a calculation of the basic and diluted earnings per common share for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2007 and 2006 (in thousands, except per share data):
 
   
Net
Income
 
Weighted
Average
Common
Shares
Outstanding
 
Earnings
Per Common
Share
 
Three Months Ended September 30, 2007:
             
Basic earnings per share:
             
Net income attributable to common shareholders
  $ 88,701    
58,946
  $ 1.50  
Effect of dilutive securities:
                   
Common share options, restricted common shares and common share units
   
   
2,711
       
Conversion of preferred shares
   
   
5,053
       
Preferred share dividends
   
2,602
   
       
Adjusted net income for diluted earnings per share
  $ 91,303    
66,710
  $ 1.37  
                     
Three Months Ended September 30, 2006:
                   
Basic earnings per share:
                   
Net income attributable to common shareholders
  $ 82,321    
59,537
  $ 1.38  
Effect of dilutive securities:
                   
Common share options, restricted common shares and common share units
   
   
1,233
       
Conversion of preferred shares
   
   
5,750
       
Preferred share dividends
   
2,602
   
       
Adjusted net income for diluted earnings per share
  $ 84,923    
66,520
  $ 1.28  
                     
 
 
- 7 -

 
Platinum Underwriters Holdings, Ltd. and Subsidiaries
Notes to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited), continued
For the Three and Nine Months Ended September 30, 2007 and 2006
 
      Net Income      Weighted Average Common Shares Outstanding      Earnings Per Common Share   
Nine Months Ended September 30, 2007:
                   
Basic earnings per share:
                   
Net income attributable to common shareholders
  $ 246,980    
59,572
  $ 4.15  
Effect of dilutive securities:
                   
Common share options, restricted common shares and common share units
   
   
2,499
       
Conversion of preferred shares
   
   
5,223
       
Preferred share dividends
   
7,806
   
       
Adjusted net income for diluted earnings per share
  $ 254,786    
67,294
  $ 3.79  
                     
Nine Months Ended September 30, 2006:
                   
Basic earnings per share:
                   
Net income attributable to common shareholders
  $ 235,927    
59,287
  $ 3.98  
Effect of dilutive securities:
                   
Common share options, restricted common shares and common share units
   
   
1,236
       
Conversion of preferred shares
   
   
5,750
       
Preferred share dividends
   
7,780
   
       
Adjusted net income for diluted earnings per share
  $ 243,707    
66,273
  $ 3.68  
 
4. Operating Segment Information
 
We conduct our worldwide reinsurance business through three operating segments: Property and Marine, Casualty and Finite Risk.  The Property and Marine operating segment includes principally property and marine reinsurance coverages that are written in the United States and international markets.  This operating segment includes property reinsurance, crop reinsurance and marine and aviation reinsurance.  The Property and Marine operating segment includes reinsurance contracts that are either catastrophe excess-of-loss, per-risk excess-of-loss or proportional contracts.  The Casualty operating segment includes principally reinsurance contracts that cover umbrella liability, general and product liability, professional liability, workers' compensation, casualty clash, automobile liability, surety, trade credit, political risk and accident and health.  The Finite Risk operating segment includes principally structured reinsurance contracts with ceding companies whose needs may not be met efficiently through traditional reinsurance products.  In exchange for contractual features that limit our downside risk, reinsurance contracts that we classify as finite risk provide the potential for significant profit commission to the ceding company.  The classes of risks underwritten through finite risk contracts are generally consistent with the classes covered by traditional products.  The finite risk contracts that we underwrite generally provide prospective protection, meaning coverage is provided for losses that are incurred after inception of the contract, as contrasted with retrospective coverage, which covers losses that are incurred prior to inception of the contract.  The three main categories of finite risk contracts are quota share, multi-year excess-of-loss and whole account aggregate stop loss.
 
In managing our operating segments, we use measures such as underwriting income and underwriting ratios to evaluate segment performance.  We do not allocate by segment our assets or certain income and expenses such as investment income, interest expense and certain corporate expenses.  Total underwriting income is reconciled to income before income tax expense.  The measures we use in evaluating our operating segments should not be used as a substitute for measures determined under U.S. GAAP.  The following table summarizes underwriting activity and ratios for the operating segments, together with a reconciliation of total underwriting income to income before income tax expense, for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2007 and 2006 ($ in thousands):
 
- 8 -

 
Platinum Underwriters Holdings, Ltd. and Subsidiaries
Notes to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited), continued
For the Three and Nine Months Ended September 30, 2007 and 2006
 
   
Property
and Marine
   
Casualty
   
Finite Risk
   
Total
 
                         
Three months ended September 30, 2007:
                       
Net premiums written
  $ 142,549      
141,214
     
8,369
    $ 292,132  
                                 
Net premiums earned
   
128,380
     
153,938
     
7,992
     
290,310
 
Net losses and LAE
   
43,396
     
110,365
     
10,162
     
163,923
 
Net acquisition expenses
   
18,549
     
33,403
      (507 )    
51,445
 
Other underwriting expenses
   
12,086
     
8,304
     
367
     
20,757
 
Segment underwriting income (loss)
  $ 54,349      
1,866
      (2,030 )    
54,185
 
                                 
Net investment income
     
54,283
 
Net realized losses on investments
      (864 )
Net foreign currency exchange gains
     
1,429
 
Other expense
      (659 )
Corporate expenses not allocated to segments
      (7,404 )
Interest expense
      (5,457 )
Income before income tax expense
    $ 95,513  
                                 
Ratios:
                               
Net loss and LAE
    33.8 %     71.7 %     127.2 %     56.5 %
Net acquisition expense
    14.4 %     21.7 %     (6.3 %)     17.7 %
Other underwriting expense
    9.4 %     5.4 %     4.6 %     7.1 %
Combined
    57.6 %     98.8 %     125.5 %     81.3 %
                                 
Three months ended September 30, 2006:
                               
Net premiums written
  $ 83,018      
202,302
     
12,680
    $ 298,000  
                                 
Net premiums earned
   
97,686
     
214,427
     
27,496
     
339,609
 
Net losses and LAE
   
17,181
     
149,698
     
24,549
     
191,428
 
Net acquisition expenses
   
14,895
     
54,503
     
5,596
     
74,994
 
Other underwriting expenses
   
8,608
     
9,464
     
1,991
     
20,063
 
Segment underwriting income (loss)
  $ 57,002      
762
      (4,640 )    
53,124
 
                                 
Net investment income
     
48,302
 
Net realized gains on investments
      (57 )
Net foreign currency exchange gains
      (228 )
Other expense
     
1,714
 
Corporate expenses not allocated to segments
      (5,285 )
Interest expense
      (5,452 )
Income before income tax expense
    $ 92,118  
                           
Ratios:
                         
Net loss and LAE
    17.6 %     69.8 %     89.3 %       56.4 %
Acquisition expense
    15.2 %     25.4 %     20.4 %       22.1 %
Other underwriting expense
    8.8 %     4.4 %     7.2 %       5.9 %
Combined
    41.6 %     99.6 %     116.9 %       84.4 %
 
- 9 -

Platinum Underwriters Holdings, Ltd. and Subsidiaries
Notes to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited), continued
For the Three and Nine Months Ended September 30, 2007 and 2006
 
     Property and Marine      Casualty      Finite Risk      Total  
Nine Months Ended September 30, 2007:
                       
Net premiums written
  $ 399,429      
455,945
     
23,398
    $ 878,772  
                                 
Net premiums earned
   
373,226
     
471,802
     
26,048
     
871,076
 
Net losses and LAE
   
149,265
     
340,740
     
20,262
     
510,267
 
Net acquisition expenses
   
50,748
     
105,499
     
145
     
156,392
 
Other underwriting expenses
   
32,696
     
21,463
     
1,994
     
56,153
 
Segment underwriting income
  $ 140,517      
4,100
     
3,647
     
148,264
 
                                 
Net investment income
     
160,666
 
Net realized losses on investments
      (2,521 )
Net foreign currency exchange gains
     
2,887
 
Other expense
      (3,645 )
Corporate expenses not allocated to segments
      (21,322 )
Interest expense
      (16,368 )
Income before income tax expense
    $ 267,961  
                                 
Ratios:
                               
Net loss and LAE
    40.0 %     72.2 %     77.8 %     58.6 %
Net acquisition expense
    13.6 %     22.4 %     0.6 %     18.0 %
Other underwriting expense
    8.8 %     4.5 %     7.7 %     6.4 %
Combined
    62.4 %     99.1 %     86.1 %     83.0 %
                                 
Nine Months Ended September 30, 2006:
                               
Net premiums written
  $ 333,906      
583,950
      (16,816 )   $ 901,040  
                                 
Net premiums earned
   
342,322
     
573,168
     
105,485
     
1,020,975
 
Net losses and LAE
   
104,876
     
394,087
     
86,703
     
585,666
 
Net acquisition expenses
   
55,783
     
141,025
     
23,477
     
220,285
 
Other underwriting expenses
   
27,642
     
23,487
     
3,935
     
55,064
 
Segment underwriting income (loss)
  $ 154,021      
14,569
      (8,630 )    
159,960
 
                                 
Net investment income
     
137,165
 
Net realized gains on investments
     
22
 
Net foreign currency exchange gains
     
461
 
Other expense
      (1,927 )
Corporate expenses not allocated to segments
      (16,664 )
Interest expense
      (16,352 )
Income before income tax expense
    $ 262,665  
                                 
Ratios:
                               
Net loss and LAE
    30.6 %     68.8 %     82.2 %     57.4 %
Net acquisition expense
    16.3 %     24.6 %     22.3 %     21.6 %
Other underwriting expense
    8.1 %     4.1 %     3.7 %     5.4 %
Combined
    55.0 %     97.5 %     108.2 %     84.4 %
 
- 10 -

 
Platinum Underwriters Holdings, Ltd. and Subsidiaries
Notes to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited), continued
For the Three and Nine Months Ended September 30, 2007 and 2006
 
5. Income Taxes
 
We provide for income tax expense based upon income reported in the condensed consolidated financial statements and the provisions of currently enacted tax laws.  Platinum Holdings and Platinum Bermuda are incorporated in Bermuda.  Under current Bermuda law, they are not taxed on any Bermuda income or capital gains and they have received an assurance that if any legislation is enacted in Bermuda that would impose tax computed on profits or income, or computed on any capital asset, gain or appreciation, or any tax in the nature of estate duty or inheritance tax, then the imposition of any such tax will not be applicable to Platinum Holdings or Platinum Bermuda or any of their respective operations, shares, debentures or other obligations until March 28, 2016.  We also have subsidiaries in the United States, United Kingdom and Ireland that are subject to the tax laws thereof.  The income tax returns of our U.S. based subsidiaries that remain open to examination are for calendar years 2003 and forward.
 
A reconciliation of expected income tax expense, computed by applying a 35% income tax rate to income before income taxes, to actual income tax expense for the nine months ended September 30, 2007 and 2006 was as follows ($ in thousands):
   
2007
   
2006
 
Expected income tax expense at 35%
  $ 93,786     $ 91,933  
Effect of foreign income subject to tax at rates other than 35%
    (82,931 )     (71,726 )
Tax exempt investment income
    (1,112 )     (1,281 )
Other, net
   
3,432
     
32
 
Income tax expense
  $ 13,175     $ 18,958  
     
6. Condensed Consolidating Financial Information
 
Platinum Finance is a U.S. based intermediate holding company and a wholly owned subsidiary of Platinum Regency.  The outstanding Series B 7.5% Notes, due June 1, 2017, issued by Platinum Finance are fully and unconditionally guaranteed by Platinum Holdings.  The outstanding Series B 6.371% Remarketed Senior Guaranteed Notes, due November 16, 2007, issued by Platinum Finance are also fully and unconditionally guaranteed by Platinum Holdings.
 
The payment of dividends from our regulated reinsurance subsidiaries is limited by applicable laws and statutory requirements of the jurisdictions in which the subsidiaries operate, including Bermuda, the United States and the United Kingdom.  Based on the regulatory restrictions of the applicable jurisdictions, the maximum amount available for payment of dividends or other distributions by the reinsurance subsidiary of Platinum Finance in 2007 without prior regulatory approval is estimated to be approximately $13,000,000.  The maximum amount available for payment of dividends or other distributions by the reinsurance subsidiaries of Platinum Holdings in 2007, including the reinsurance subsidiary of Platinum Finance, without prior regulatory approval is estimated to be approximately $307,000,000.
 
 
- 11 -

Platinum Underwriters Holdings, Ltd. and Subsidiaries
Notes to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited), continued
For the Three and Nine Months Ended September 30, 2007 and 2006
 
The tables below present condensed consolidating financial information of Platinum Holdings, Platinum Finance and the non-guarantor subsidiaries of Platinum Holdings as of September 30, 2007 and December 31, 2006 and for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2007 and 2006 ($ in thousands):
 
Condensed Consolidating Balance Sheet
September 30, 2007
 
Platinum Holdings
 
Platinum Finance
 
Non-guarantor Subsidiaries
 
Consolidating Adjustments
   
Consolidated
 
ASSETS
                       
Total investments
  $    
9,119
   
3,626,603
   
    $ 3,635,722  
Investment in subsidiaries
   
1,859,429
   
501,753
   
287,157
    (2,648,339 )    
 
Cash and cash equivalents
   
138,753
   
42,227
   
590,550
   
     
771,530
 
Reinsurance assets
   
   
   
590,732
   
     
590,732
 
Other assets
   
12,351
   
7,285
   
182,560
   
     
202,196
 
Total assets
  $ 2,010,533    
560,384
   
5,277,602
    (2,648,339 )   $ 5,200,180  
                                   
LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY
                                 
Liabilities
                                 
Reinsurance liabilities
  $    
   
2,835,056
   
    $ 2,835,056  
Debt obligations
   
   
292,840
   
   
     
292,840
 
Other liabilities
   
6,847
   
7,403
   
54,348
   
     
68,598
 
Total liabilities
   
6,847
   
300,243
   
2,889,404
   
     
3,196,494
 
                                   
Shareholders’ Equity
                                 
Preferred shares
   
57
   
   
   
     
57
 
Common shares
   
572
   
   
6,250
    (6,250 )    
572
 
Additional paid-in capital
   
1,458,721
   
193,152
   
1,896,356
    (2,089,508 )    
1,458,721
 
Accumulated other comprehensive loss
    (44,111 )   (7,325 )   (51,218 )  
58,543
      (44,111 )
Retained earnings
   
588,447
   
74,314
   
536,810
    (611,124 )    
588,447
 
Total shareholders' equity
   
2,003,686
   
260,141
   
2,388,198
    (2,648,339 )    
2,003,686
 
Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity
  $ 2,010,533    
560,384
   
5,277,602
    (2,648,339 )   $ 5,200,180  
 
- 12 -

Platinum Underwriters Holdings, Ltd. and Subsidiaries
Notes to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited), continued
For the Three and Nine Months Ended September 30, 2007 and 2006
                         
 
Condensed Consolidating Balance Sheet
December 31, 2006
 
Platinum
Holdings
 
Platinum
Finance
 
Non-guarantor
Subsidiaries
 
Consolidating
Adjustments
   
Consolidated
 
ASSETS
                       
Total investments
  $    
11,342
   
3,365,943
   
    $ 3,377,285  
Investment in subsidiaries
   
1,749,762
   
475,194
   
402,098
    (2,627,054 )    
 
Cash and cash equivalents
   
106,039
   
39,294
   
706,319
   
     
851,652
 
Reinsurance assets
   
   
   
765,928
   
     
765,928
 
Income tax recoverable
   
    (1,418 )  
8,933
   
     
7,515
 
Other assets
   
9,296
   
3,792
   
78,099
   
     
91,187
 
Total assets
  $ 1,865,097    
528,204
   
5,327,320
    (2,627,054 )   $ 5,093,567  
                                   
LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY
                                 
Liabilities
                                 
Reinsurance liabilities
  $    
   
2,880,715
   
    $ 2,880,715  
Debt obligations
   
   
292,840
   
   
     
292,840
 
Other liabilities
   
7,036
   
2,024
   
52,891
   
     
61,951
 
Total liabilities
   
7,036
   
294,864
   
2,933,606
   
     
3,235,506
 
                                   
Shareholders’ Equity
                                 
Preferred shares
   
57
   
   
   
     
57
 
Common shares
   
597
   
   
6,250
    (6,250 )    
597
 
Additional paid-in capital
   
1,545,979
   
192,203
   
2,051,468
    (2,243,671 )    
1,545,979
 
Accumulated other comprehensive loss
    (44,289 )   (9,071 )   (55,012 )  
64,083
      (44,289 )
Retained earnings
   
355,717
   
50,208
   
391,008
    (441,216 )    
355,717
 
Total shareholders' equity
   
1,858,061
   
233,340
   
2,393,714
    (2,627,054 )    
1,858,061
 
Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity
  $ 1,865,097    
528,204
   
5,327,320
    (2,627,054 )   $ 5,093,567  
 
 
- 13 -

Platinum Underwriters Holdings, Ltd. and Subsidiaries
Notes to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited), continued
For the Three and Nine Months Ended September 30, 2007 and 2006
 
Consolidating Statement of Operations
For the Three Months Ended
September 30, 2007
 
Platinum Holdings
 
Platinum Finance
 
Non-guarantor Subsidiaries
 
Consolidating Adjustments
   
Consolidated
 
Revenue:
                       
Net premiums earned
  $    
   
290,310
   
    $ 290,310  
Net investment income
   
2,526
   
644
   
51,113
   
     
54,283
 
Net realized losses on investments
   
   
    ( 864 )  
      (864 )
Other income (expense), net
   
2,623
   
    (3,282 )  
      (659 )
Total revenue
   
5,149
   
644
   
337,277
   
     
343,070
 
Expenses:
                                 
Net losses and loss adjustment expenses
   
   
   
163,923
   
     
163,923
 
Net acquisition expenses
   
   
   
51,445
   
     
51,445
 
Operating expenses
   
7,256
   
105
   
20,800
   
     
28,161
 
Net foreign currency exchange gains
   
   
    (1,429 )  
      (1,429 )
Interest expense
   
   
5,457
   
   
     
5,457
 
Total expenses
   
7,256
   
5,562
   
234,739
   
     
247,557
 
                                   
Income (loss) before income tax expense (benefit)
    (2,107 )   (4,918 )  
102,538
   
     
95,513
 
Income tax expense (benefit)
   
    (1,590 )  
5,800
   
     
4,210
 
Income (loss) before equity in earnings of subsidiaries
    (2,107 )   (3,328 )  
96,738
   
     
91,303
 
Equity in earnings of subsidiaries
   
93,410
   
11,723
   
12,074
    (117,207 )    
 
Net income
   
91,303
   
8,395
   
108,812
    (117,207 )    
91,303
 
Preferred dividends
   
2,602
   
   
   
     
2,602
 
Net income attributable to common shareholders
  $ 88,701    
8,395
   
108,812
    (117,207 )   $ 88,701  
 
 
- 14 -

Platinum Underwriters Holdings, Ltd. and Subsidiaries
Notes to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited), continued
For the Three and Nine Months Ended September 30, 2007 and 2006
                         
Consolidating Statement of Operations
For the Nine Months Ended
September 30, 2007
 
Platinum Holdings
 
Platinum Finance
 
Non-guarantor Subsidiaries
 
Consolidating Adjustments
   
Consolidated
 
Revenue:
                       
Net premiums earned
  $    
   
871,076
   
    $ 871,076  
Net investment income
           
153,602
   
     
160,666
 
Net realized losses on investments
   
   
    (2,521  )  
      (2,521 )
Other income (expense), net
       
    (8,123  )  
      (3,645 )
Total revenue
   
9,659
   
1,883
   
1,014,034
   
     
1,025,576
 
Expenses:
                                 
Net losses and loss adjustment expenses
   
   
   
510,267
   
     
510,267
 
Net acquisition expenses
   
   
   
156,392
   
     
156,392
 
Operating expenses
           
56,269
   
     
77,475
 
Net foreign currency exchange gains
   
   
    (2,887  )  
      (2,887 )
Interest expense
   
   
16,368
   
   
     
16,368
 
Total expenses
   
20,915
   
16,659
   
720,041
   
     
757,615
 
                                   
Income (loss) before income tax expense (benefit)
    (11,256 )   (14,776  )  
293,993
   
     
267,961
 
Income tax expense (benefit)
   
    (4,996  )      
     
13,175
 
Income (loss) before equity in earnings of subsidiaries
    (11,256 )   (9,780  )      
     
254,786
 
Equity in earnings of subsidiaries
   
266,042
       
37,480
    (337,409 )    
 
Net income
   
254,786
   
24,107
   
313,302
    (337,409 )    
254,786
 
Preferred dividends
   
7,806
   
   
   
     
7,806
 
Net income attributable to common shareholders
  $ 246,980    
24,107
   
313,302
    (337,409 )   $ 246,980  
 
 
- 15 -

Platinum Underwriters Holdings, Ltd. and Subsidiaries
Notes to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited), continued
For the Three and Nine Months Ended September 30, 2007 and 2006
 
Consolidating Statement of Operations
For the Three Months Ended
September 30, 2006
 
Platinum Holdings
 
Platinum Finance
 
Non-guarantor Subsidiaries
 
Consolidating Adjustments
   
Consolidated
 
Revenue:
                       
Net premiums earned
  $    
   
339,609
   
    $ 339,609  
Net investment income
   
1,568
   
171
   
46,563
   
     
48,302
 
Net realized gains on investments
   
   
    (57  )  
      (57 )
Other expense, net
   
2,000
   
    (286  )  
     
1,714
 
Total revenue
   
3,568
   
171
   
385,829
   
     
389,568
 
Expenses:
                                 
Net losses and loss adjustment expenses
   
   
   
191,428
   
     
191,428
 
Net acquisition expenses
   
   
   
74,994
   
     
74,994
 
Operating expenses
   
5,167
   
105
   
20,076
   
     
25,348
 
Net foreign currency exchange losses
   
   
   
228
   
     
228
 
Interest expense
   
   
5,452
   
   
     
5,452
 
Total expenses
   
5,167
   
5,557
   
286,726
   
     
297,450
 
                                   
Income (loss) before income tax expense (benefit)
    (1,599 )   (5,386 )  
99,103
   
     
92,118
 
Income tax expense (benefit)
   
    (1,870 )  
9,065
   
     
7,195
 
Income (loss) before equity in earnings of subsidiaries
    (1,599 )   (3,516 )  
90,038
   
     
84,923
 
Equity in earnings of subsidiaries
   
86,522
   
12,443
   
14,097
    (113,062 )    
 
Net income
   
84,923
   
8,927
   
104,135
    (113,062 )    
84,923
 
Preferred dividends
   
2,602
   
   
   
     
2,602
 
Net income attributable to common shareholders
  $ 82,321    
8,927
   
104,135
    (113,062 )   $ 82,321  
 
 
- 16 -

Platinum Underwriters Holdings, Ltd. and Subsidiaries
Notes to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited), continued
For the Three and Nine Months Ended September 30, 2007 and 2006
                         
Consolidating Statement of Operations
For the Nine Months Ended
September 30, 2006
 
Platinum
Holdings
 
Platinum
Finance
 
Non-guarantor Subsidiaries
 
Consolidating Adjustments
   
Consolidated
 
Revenue:
                       
Net premiums earned
  $    
   
1,020,975
   
    $ 1,020,975  
Net investment income
   
4,474
   
618
   
132,073
   
     
137,165
 
Net realized gains on investments
   
   
   
22
   
     
22
 
Other income (expense), net
   
3,100
   
    (5,027 )  
      (1,927 )
Total revenue
   
7,574
   
618
   
1,148,043
   
     
1,156,235
 
Expenses:
                                 
Net losses and loss adjustment expenses
   
   
   
585,666
   
     
585,666
 
Net acquisition expenses
   
   
   
220,285
   
     
220,285
 
Operating expenses
   
16,039
   
471
   
55,218
   
     
71,728
 
Net foreign currency exchange gains
   
   
    (461 )  
      (461 )
Interest expense
   
   
16,352
   
   
     
16,352
 
Total expenses
   
16,039
   
16,823
   
860,708
   
     
893,570
 
                                   
Income (loss) before income tax expense (benefit)
    (8,465 )   (16,205 )  
287,335
   
     
262,665
 
Income tax expense (benefit)
   
    (5,656 )  
24,614
   
     
18,958
 
Income (loss) before equity in earnings of subsidiaries
    (8,465 )   (10,549 )  
262,721
   
     
243,707
 
Equity in earnings of subsidiaries
   
252,172
   
45,670
   
37,162
    (335,004 )    
 
Net income
   
243,707
   
35,121
   
299,883
    (335,004 )    
243,707
 
Preferred dividends
   
7,780
   
   
   
     
7,780
 
Net income attributable to common shareholders
  $ 235,927    
35,121
   
299,883
    (335,004 )   $ 235,927  
 
 
- 17 -

Platinum Underwriters Holdings, Ltd. and Subsidiaries
Notes to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited), continued
For the Three and Nine Months Ended September 30, 2007 and 2006
 
Condensed Consolidating Statement of Cash Flows
     
Non-
           
For the Nine Months Ended
September 30, 2007
 
Platinum
Holdings
 
Platinum Finance
 
guarantor
Subsidiaries
 
Consolidating Adjustments
   
Consolidated
 
                         
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities
  $ (8,398 )   (9,319 )  
361,532
   
    $ 343,815  
                                   
Investing Activities:
                                 
Proceeds from sale of available-for-sale fixed maturity securities
   
   
76
   
84,740
   
     
84,816
 
Proceeds from maturity or paydown of available-for-sale fixed maturity securities
   
   
2,176
   
838,053
   
     
840,229
 
Acquisition of available-for-sale fixed maturities
   
   
    (1,231,479 )  
      (1,231,479 )
Proceeds from sale of other invested asset
   
   
   
4,745
   
     
4,745
 
Increase in short-term investments
   
   
    (5,859 )  
      (5,859 )
Dividends from subsidiaries
   
157,500
   
10,000
   
    (167,500 )    
 
Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities
   
157,500
   
12,252
    (309,800 )   (167,500 )     (307,548 )
                                   
Financing Activities:
                                 
Dividends paid to preferred shareholders
    (7,806 )  
   
   
      (7,806 )
Dividends paid to common shareholders
    (14,250 )  
    (167,500 )  
167,500
      (14,250 )
Proceeds from exercise of share options
   
22,640
   
   
   
     
22,640
 
Purchase of common shares
    (116,973 )  
   
   
      (116,973 )
Net cash used in financing activities
    (116,389 )  
    (167,500 )  
167,500
      (116,389 )
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents
   
32,713
   
2,933
    (115,768 )  
      (80,122 )
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period
   
106,039
   
39,294
   
706,319
   
     
851,652
 
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period
  $ 138,752    
42,227
   
590,551
   
    $ 771,530  
 
 
- 18 -

Platinum Underwriters Holdings, Ltd. and Subsidiaries
Notes to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited), continued
For the Three and Nine Months Ended September 30, 2007 and 2006
                     
Condensed Consolidating Statement of Cash Flows
     
Non-
           
For the Nine Months Ended
September 30, 2006
 
Platinum Holdings
 
Platinum Finance
 
guarantor
Subsidiaries
 
Consolidating Adjustments
   
Consolidated
 
                         
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities
  $ (11,538 )   (3,009 )  
474,545
   
    $ 459,998  
                                   
Investing Activities:
                                 
Proceeds from sale of available-for-sale fixed maturity securities
   
   
   
195,899
   
     
195,899
 
Proceeds from maturity or paydown of available-for-sale fixed maturity securities
   
   
1,212
   
183,397
   
     
184,609
 
Acquisition of available-for-sale fixed maturity securities
   
    (498 )   (846,778 )  
      (847,276 )
Increase in short-term investments
   
   
-
    (31,412 )  
      (31,412 )
Contributions to subsidiaries
   
    (300 )  
300
   
     
 
Dividends from subsidiaries
         
20,000
          (20,000 )    
 
Net cash used in investing activities
   
   
20,414
    (498,594 )   (20,000 )     (498,180 )
                                   
Financing Activities:
                                 
Dividends paid to common shareholders
    (7,216 )  
   
   
      (7,216 )
Dividends paid to preferred shareholders
    (14,254 )  
    (20,000 )  
20,000
      (14,254 )
Proceeds from exercise of share options
   
12,229
   
   
   
     
12,229
 
Net cash used in financing activities
    (9,241 )  
    (20,000 )  
20,000
      (9,241 )
                                   
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents
    (20,779 )  
17,405
    (44,049 )  
      (47,423 )
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period
   
129,962
   
5,010
   
685,774
   
     
820,746
 
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period
  $ 109,183    
22,415
   
641,725
   
    $ 773,323  
 
7. Cessation of Underwriting in the United Kingdom
 
During 2006 we expanded the scale and scope of Platinum Bermuda to become the principal carrier for our global catastrophe and financial lines reinsurance portfolios and in 2007 we ceased underwriting reinsurance in Platinum UK.  Platinum UK filed a Scheme of Operations with the U.K. Financial Services Authority in 2007 which outlined actions for Platinum UK to become a non-underwriting operation and to return a significant portion of its capital to Platinum Holdings.  These actions include a 100% loss portfolio transfer of Platinum UK’s reinsurance business to Platinum Bermuda and a plan for the administration of in force contracts and related claims.  During 2007 we completed the loss portfolio transfer and returned $155,000,000 of the capital of Platinum UK to Platinum Holdings.
 
8. Company Share Repurchase
 
On August 4, 2004 the Board of Directors of the Company approved a program to repurchase up to $50,000,000 of the Company’s common shares.  On July 26, 2007 the Board of Directors of the Company approved an increase in the existing repurchase program by approximately $222,561,000 to result in authority as of such date to repurchase up to a total of $250,000,000.  During the three months ended September 30, 2007, the Company purchased 3,096,228 of its common shares in the open market at an aggregate purchase price of $104,397,000 and a weighted average purchase price of $33.72 per share.  The common shares purchased by the Company were canceled.  On October 25, 2007 the Board of Directors of the Company approved an additional increase to the repurchase program by approximately $103,000,000 to result in authority as of such date to repurchase up to a total of $250,000,000.
 
 
- 19 -

ITEM 2. MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
 
 Business Overview
 
Platinum Underwriters Holdings, Ltd. ("Platinum Holdings") is a Bermuda holding company organized in 2002.  Platinum Holdings and its subsidiaries (collectively, the "Company") operate through two licensed reinsurance subsidiaries:  Platinum Underwriters Bermuda, Ltd. ("Platinum Bermuda") and Platinum Underwriters Reinsurance, Inc. ("Platinum US").  The terms "we", "us", and "our" also refer to Platinum Holdings and its consolidated subsidiaries, unless the context otherwise indicates.  We provide property and marine, casualty and finite risk reinsurance coverages, through reinsurance intermediaries, to a diverse clientele of insurers and select reinsurers on a worldwide basis.   Through December 31, 2006, we also underwrote business through Platinum Re (UK) Ltd. ("Platinum UK").  In 2007 Platinum UK ceased underwriting reinsurance business.
 
The following discussion and analysis should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements and related notes thereto and management's discussion and analysis of financial condition and results of operations included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2006.  Our condensed consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States ("U.S. GAAP").
 
We write property and casualty reinsurance.  Property reinsurance protects a ceding company against financial loss arising out of damage to the insured’s property or loss of its use caused by an insured peril.  Property insurance covers damage principally to buildings and their contents and may be in the form of catastrophe coverage or per-risk coverage.  Catastrophe reinsurance coverage protects a ceding company against losses arising out of multiple claims for a single event, while per-risk reinsurance coverage protects a ceding company against loss arising out of a single claim for a single risk or policy.  We also write marine reinsurance which protects a ceding company against financial loss arising out of damage to ships and cargo.  Casualty reinsurance protects a ceding company against financial loss arising out of the insured’s obligation to others for loss or damage to their persons or property.  Examples of casualty coverages are umbrella liability, general and product liability, professional liability, workers' compensation, casualty clash, automobile liability, surety, trade credit, political risk and accident and health.  Casualty reinsurance may also be in the form of catastrophe and per-risk contracts.
 
The property and casualty reinsurance industry is highly competitive.  We compete with reinsurers worldwide, many of which have greater financial, marketing and management resources than we do.  Our competitors vary by type of business.  Large multi-national and multi-line reinsurers represent some of our competitors in all lines and classes, while specialty reinsurance companies in the United States compete in selective lines.  Financial institutions have also created alternative capital market products that compete with reinsurance products, such as reinsurance securitization.  Bermuda-based reinsurers tend to be significant competitors on property catastrophe business.  Lloyd’s of London syndicates are our significant competitors on marine business.  For casualty and other international classes of business, the large U.S. and European reinsurers are our significant competitors.
 
The reinsurance industry historically has been cyclical, characterized by periods of price competition due to excessive underwriting capacity as well as periods of favorable pricing due to shortages of underwriting capacity.  Cyclical trends in the industry and the industry's profitability can also be significantly affected by volatile developments, including natural and other catastrophes, such as hurricanes, windstorms, earthquakes, floods, fires, explosions and terrorist attacks, the frequency and severity of which are inherently difficult to predict.  Property and casualty reinsurance rates often rise in the aftermath of significant catastrophe losses.  To the extent that actual claim liabilities are higher than anticipated, the industry's capacity to write new business diminishes.  The industry is also affected by changes in the propensity of courts to expand insurance coverage and grant large liability awards, as well as fluctuations in interest rates, inflation and other changes in the economic environment that affect market prices of investments.
 
 Results of Operations
 
 Three Months Ended September 30, 2007 as Compared with the Three Months Ended September 30, 2006
 
Net income for the three months ended September 30, 2007 and 2006 was as follows ($ in thousands):
   
2007
   
2006
   
Increase
 
Net income
  $ 91,303      
84,923
    $ 6,380  
 
- 20 -

The increase in net income is primarily due to an increase in net investment income of $5,981,000, which resulted from slightly higher yields and positive cash flows from operations in the 12 months since September 30, 2006.  Underwriting income consists of net premiums earned less net losses and loss adjustment expenses ("LAE"), net acquisition expenses and operating costs related to underwriting operations.  The adverse impact from major catastrophes was approximately $4,709,000 in 2007 as compared with no major catastrophe losses in 2006.  Net favorable development, which includes the development of prior years’ unpaid losses and LAE and the related impact on premiums and commissions, contributed to underwriting income in 2007 and 2006.  Net favorable development was $13,417,000 and $19,980,000 in 2007 and 2006, respectively.  Underwriting income in 2007 was comparable to underwriting income in 2006 despite the decline in net favorable development and an increase in catastrophe losses due to the increase in property catastrophe premiums, which produce significantly higher underwriting profits when there is a low level of catastrophe losses.  The increased property catastrophe underwriting profits were partially offset by decreased profitability in the non-property catastrophe classes as a result of declining rate adequacy.
 
Gross, ceded and net premiums written and earned for the three months ended September 30, 2007 and 2006 were as follows ($ in thousands):
   
2007
   
2006
   
Decrease
 
Gross premiums written
  $ 296,530      
319,625
    $ 23,095  
Ceded premiums written
   
4,398
     
21,625
     
17,227
 
Net premiums written
   
292,132
     
298,000
     
5,868
 
                         
Gross premiums earned
   
293,833
     
369,782
     
75,949
 
Ceded premiums earned
   
3,523
     
30,173
     
26,650
 
Net premiums earned
  $ 290,310      
339,609
    $ 49,299  
 
    The decrease in gross premiums written in 2007 as compared with 2006 was attributable primarily to declines in premiums written in the Casualty segment, partially offset by increases in the Property and Marine segment.  The decline in casualty gross premiums written was primarily in the excess umbrella class, where fewer opportunities met our underwriting standards.  The increase in property and marine gross premiums written resulted primarily from an increase in property excess catastrophe business.  Gross premiums written were also impacted by different methods of estimating premiums written between Platinum UK and Platinum Bermuda.  Platinum UK estimated that the ultimate premium related to its reinsurance contracts were written at contract inception.  Platinum Bermuda and Platinum US estimate premiums written on the basis that the policies underlying their reinsurance contracts incept at later periods throughout the term of the reinsurance contract.  Consequently, the estimates of premiums written for reinsurance contracts written by Platinum UK in 2006 were higher at inception and for the first calendar quarter than for reinsurance contracts written by Platinum Bermuda and Platinum US.  In 2007, Platinum UK ceased underwriting business and all business written by the Company is now written through Platinum Bermuda and Platinum US.  This difference in timing for estimates of premiums written resulted in an increase in gross and net premiums written of approximately $40,043,000 and $32,554,000, respectively, in 2007 as compared with 2006.  The basis for recording net premiums earned was consistent for all subsidiaries and, therefore, this difference had no impact on net premiums earned, underwriting income or net income.  The decrease in ceded written premiums, which resulted in an increase in net premiums written, was attributable to the non-renewal in 2007 of the quota share retrocession agreement effective January 1, 2006 (the "Property Quota Share Agreement") under which Platinum US and Platinum UK ceded 30% of their new and renewal property catastrophe business effective on or after January 1, 2006 to a non-affiliated reinsurer.
 
Net investment income for the three months ended September 30, 2007 and 2006 was $54,283,000 and $48,302,000, respectively.  Net investment income increased in 2007 as compared with 2006 due to increased invested assets as well as a slight increase in yields on invested assets.  The increase in invested assets was attributable to positive net cash flows from operations in the twelve months since September 30, 2006.  Net investment income includes interest earned on funds held of $1,027,000 and $1,945,000 in 2007 and 2006, respectively.  Net realized losses on investments were $864,000 and $57,000 in 2007 and 2006, respectively.  Net realized gains and losses on investments primarily result from our efforts to manage credit quality, duration and sector allocation of the investment portfolio as well as to balance our foreign currency denominated invested assets with our foreign currency denominated liabilities.  Also in 2007, Platinum UK sold securities in order to execute transactions in connection with its Scheme of Operations.  See Note 7 of the Notes to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.  We recorded a charge of $809,000 relating to other-than-temporary impairments which was included within net realized losses on investments in the consolidated statement of operations in 2007.
 
Other income (expense) for the three months ended September 30, 2007 and 2006 was ($659,000) and $1,714,000, respectively.  Other expense in 2007 includes $2,357,000 of net unrealized gains relating to changes in fair value of fixed maturity securities classified as trading, $119,000 of net expense on reinsurance contracts accounted for as deposits, an expense of $855,000 relating to an option to purchase reinsurance which was not exercised and an expense of $2,100,000 for the fair value adjustment of an insurance linked derivative contract.  Other expense for 2006 includes $1,834,000 of net unrealized gains relating to fixed maturity securities classified as trading and $170,000 of net expense on reinsurance contracts accounted for as deposits.
 
- 21 -

Net losses and LAE and the resulting net loss and LAE ratios for the three months ended September 30, 2007 and 2006 were as follows ($ in thousands):
   
2007
   
2006
   
Increase
(decrease)
 
Net losses and LAE
  $ 163,923      
191,428
    $ (27,505 )
Net loss and LAE ratios
    56.5 %     56.4 %  
0.1 points
 
 
The decrease in net losses and LAE was primarily due to the decrease in net premiums earned.  While the 2007 and 2006 net loss and LAE ratios are comparable, there are offsetting impacts of net loss development and catastrophe losses.  Net losses and LAE in 2007 included $4,882,000 of losses from current year major catastrophes, representing 1.7% of net premiums earned, as compared with no losses from major catastrophes in 2006.  Net favorable loss development was $10,480,000 in 2007 representing 3.6% of net premiums earned, as compared with $21,652,000 in 2006 representing 6.4% of net premiums earned.  Exclusive of catastrophe and loss development, the net loss and LAE ratio decreased by approximately 4.1% in 2007 as compared with 2006 due primarily to the increase in the property catastrophe business that had a lower net loss and LAE ratio relative to the remainder of the business and the decline in casualty business that had a higher net loss and LAE ratio relative to the remainder of our business.  The net loss and LAE ratios were also affected by other changes in the mix of business.
 
    Net acquisition expenses and resulting net acquisition expense ratios for the three months ended September 30, 2007 and 2006 were as follows ($ in thousands):
 
   
2007
   
2006
   
Decrease
 
Net acquisition expenses
  $ 51,445      
74,994
    $ 23,549  
Net acquisition expense ratios
    17.7 %     22.1 %  
4.4 points
 
 
The decrease in net acquisition expenses in 2007 as compared with 2006 was primarily due to the decrease in net premiums earned.  The decrease in the net acquisition expense ratio was the result of changes in the mixes of business, in both the Property and Marine and Casualty segments.  In 2007 we wrote more property catastrophe excess business which had relatively lower net acquisition expense ratios and less property proportional contracts with relatively higher net acquisition expense ratios.  The decrease in the net acquisition expense ratio is also attributable to the decrease in umbrella premiums in the Casualty segment which had a higher net acquisition expense ratio relative to the remainder of our business.
 
Operating expenses for the three months ended September 30, 2007 and 2006 were $28,161,000 and $25,348,000 respectively.  Operating expenses include costs such as salaries, rent and like items related to reinsurance operations as well as costs associated with Platinum Holdings and its non-operating intermediate holding company subsidiaries.  The increase in 2007 was due to increased compensation and related expenses and increased fees relating to the Services and Capacity Reservation Agreement dated November 1, 2002 with RenaissanceRe Holdings Ltd. (the "RenRe Agreement").  Fees related to the RenRe Agreement increased as a result of increased property catastrophe premiums.  The RenRe Agreement expired on September 30, 2007 and was not renewed.
 
Net foreign currency exchange (gains) losses for the three months ended September 30, 2007 and 2006 were ($1,429,000) and $228,000, respectively.  We routinely transact business in various currencies other than the U.S. dollar.  Foreign currency exchange gains and losses result from the re-valuation into U.S. dollars of assets and liabilities denominated in currencies other than the U.S. dollar.  We periodically monitor our largest foreign currency exposures and purchase or sell foreign currency denominated invested assets to match these exposures.  Net foreign currency exchange gains and losses arise as a result of fluctuations in the amounts of assets and liabilities denominated in currencies other than the U.S. dollar as well as fluctuations in the currency exchange rates.  The net foreign currency exchange gain in 2007 is the result of our holding more non-U.S. dollar denominated assets than non-U.S. dollar denominated liabilities, primarily Euros and the British pound sterling ("GBP"), while the U.S. dollar declined in value against these currencies.
 
 
- 22 -

Interest expense for the three months ended September 30, 2007 and 2006 was $5,457,000 and $5,452,000 respectively.  The amounts are substantially the same as the debt outstanding and related interest rates in 2007 and 2006 were unchanged.
 
Income tax expense and the effective income tax rates for the three months ended September 30, 2007 and 2006 were as follows ($ in thousands):
   
2007
   
2006
   
Decrease
 
Income tax expense
  $ 4,210      
7,195
    $ 2,985  
Effective income tax rates
    4.4 %     7.8 %  
3.4 points
 
 
    The decrease in income tax expense was due to the decrease in the effective income tax rate in 2007 as compared with 2006.  The decrease in the effective income tax rate was due to a greater portion of income before income tax expense being generated by Platinum Holdings and Platinum Bermuda in 2007, which are not subject to corporate income tax.  In 2007, the combined net income derived from Platinum Holdings and Platinum Bermuda was 81.8% as compared with 75.7% in 2006.  The effective tax rate in any given year is based on income before income tax expense of our subsidiaries that operate in various jurisdictions each of which has its own corporate income tax rate.
 
 Nine Months Ended September 30, 2007 as Compared with the Nine Months Ended September 30, 2006
 
Net income for the nine months ended September 30, 2007 and 2006 was as follows ($ in thousands):
 
   
2007
   
2006
   
Increase
 
Net income
  $ 254,786      
243,707
    $ 11,079  
 
The increase in net income was primarily due to an increase in net investment income of $23,501,000, partially offset by a decline in underwriting income of $11,696,000.  The decline in underwriting income in 2007 as compared with 2006 was primarily due to the estimated net adverse impact of $27,461,000 from European storm Kyrill and $10,305,000 from floods in the United Kingdom in 2007.  Net favorable development also contributed to underwriting income in both 2007 and 2006.  Net favorable development was $49,501,000 and $32,078,000 in 2007 and 2006, respectively.  Net income in 2007 was also favorably affected by a decrease in income tax expense of $5,783,000.
 
    Gross, ceded and net premiums written and earned for the nine months ended September 30, 2007 and 2006 were as follows ($ in thousands):
 
   
2007
   
2006
   
Decrease
 
Gross premiums written
  $ 894,127      
984,797
    $ 90,670  
Ceded premiums written
   
15,355
     
83,757
     
68,402
 
Net premiums written
   
878,772
     
901,040
     
22,268
 
                         
Gross premiums earned
   
887,015
     
1,092,668
     
205,653
 
Ceded premiums earned
   
15,939
     
71,693
     
55,754
 
Net premiums earned
  $ 871,076      
1,020,975
    $ 149,899  
 
The decrease in gross premiums written in 2007 as compared with 2006 was primarily attributable to decreases in gross premiums written across most classes in the Casualty segment, reflecting fewer opportunities that met our underwriting standards.  Partially offsetting the decrease in casualty gross written premiums was an increase in property catastrophe gross written premiums.  Also affecting the comparison of gross premiums in 2007 to 2006 is a reduction of gross premiums written in 2006 of $56,589,000 relating to the termination of a finite risk contract.  The decrease in ceded written premiums, which resulted in an increase in net premiums written, was attributable to the non-renewal in 2007 of the 2006 Property Quota Share Agreement.  The decrease in net premiums earned was due to decreases in current and prior year’s written premiums.
 
- 23 -

 
Net investment income for the nine months ended September 30, 2007 and 2006 was $160,666,000 and $137,165,000, respectively.  Net investment income increased in 2007 as compared with 2006 primarily due to increased invested assets as well as a slight increase in yields on invested assets.  The increase in invested assets was attributable to positive net cash flows from operations in the twelve months since September 30, 2006.  Net investment income includes interest earned on funds held of $4,417,000 and $6,215,000 in 2007 and 2006, respectively.  Net realized gains (losses) on investments were ($2,521,000) and $22,000 in 2007 and 2006, respectively.  Net realized gains and losses on investments primarily result from our efforts to manage credit quality, duration and sector allocation of the investment portfolio as well as to balance our foreign currency denominated invested assets with our foreign currency denominated liabilities.  Also in 2007, Platinum UK sold securities in order to execute transactions in connection with its Scheme of Operations.  See Note 7 of the Notes to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.  We recorded a charge of $809,000 relating to other-than-temporary impairments which was included within net realized losses on investments in the consolidated statement of operations in 2007.
 
Other expense for the nine months ended September 30, 2007 and 2006 was $3,645,000 and $1,927,000, respectively.  Other expense in 2007 includes $357,000 of net unrealized losses relating to changes in fair value of fixed maturity securities classified as trading, $347,000 of net expense on reinsurance contracts accounted for as deposits, an expense of $900,000 relating to an option to purchase reinsurance which was not exercised and an expense of $2,100,000 for the fair value adjustment of an insurance linked derivative contract.  Other expense in 2006 includes $1,404,000 of net unrealized losses relating to fixed maturity securities classified as trading and $573,000 of net expense relating to reinsurance contracts accounted for as deposits.
 
Net losses and LAE and the resulting net loss and LAE ratios for the nine months ended September 30, 2007 and 2006 were as follows ($ in thousands):
   
2007
   
2006
   
Increase
(decrease)
 
Net losses and LAE
  $ 510,267      
585,666
    $ (75,399 )
Net loss and LAE ratios
    58.6 %     57.4 %  
1.2 points
 
 
The decrease in net losses and LAE in 2007 as compared to 2006 was primarily due to the decrease in net premiums earned, partially offset by losses of $32,645,000 from European storm Kyrill and $11,428,000 from floods in the United Kingdom in 2007.  The increase in the net loss and LAE ratio in 2007 as compared to 2006 was primarily due to the net losses from Kyrill and the floods in the United Kingdom, as compared with no major catastrophe losses in 2006.  Net losses and LAE and the resulting net loss and LAE ratios were also impacted by net favorable loss development of $47,671,000, representing 5.5% of net premiums earned in 2007, and $33,583,000 representing 3.3% of net premiums earned during 2006.  The net loss and LAE ratios were also affected by changes in the mix of business.
 
Net acquisition expenses and resulting net acquisition expense ratios for the nine months ended September 30, 2007 and 2006 were as follows ($ in thousands):
   
2007
   
2006
   
Decrease
 
Net acquisition expenses
  $ 156,392      
220,285
    $ 63,893  
Net acquisition expense ratios
    18.0 %     21.6 %  
3.6 points
 
 
The decrease in net acquisition expenses in 2007 as compared with 2006 was primarily due to the decrease in net premiums earned.  The decrease in the net acquisition expense ratio in 2007 as compared with 2006 was primarily due to the decrease in the Property and Marine segment of assumed proportional business with relatively higher acquisition expense ratios and an increase in catastrophe excess business with a relatively lower acquisition expense ratio.  The decrease in the net acquisition expense ratio was also attributable to a decrease in umbrella premiums in the Casualty segment which had a higher net acquisition expense ratio relative to the remainder of the business.
 
Operating expenses for the nine months ended September 30, 2007 and 2006 were $77,475,000 and $71,728,000, respectively.  Operating expenses include costs such as salaries, rent and like items related to reinsurance operations as well as costs associated with Platinum Holdings and its non-operating intermediate holding company subsidiaries.  The increase in 2007 was due to increased compensation and related expenses and increased fees relating to the RenRe Agreement as a result of increased property catastrophe premiums.
 
Net foreign currency exchange gains for the nine months ended September 30, 2007 and 2006 were $2,887,000 and $461,000, respectively.  The net foreign currency exchange gain in 2007 is the result of our holding more non-U.S. dollar denominated assets than non-U.S. dollar denominated liabilities, primarily Euros and GBP, while the U.S. dollar declined in value against these currencies.
 
- 24 -

Interest expense for the nine months ended September 30, 2007 and 2006 was $16,368,000 and $16,352,000, respectively.  The amounts are substantially the same as the debt outstanding and related interest rates in 2007 and 2006 were unchanged.
 
Income tax expense and the effective income tax rates for the nine months ended September 30, 2007 and 2006 were as follows ($ in thousands):
   
2007
   
2006
   
Decrease
 
Income tax expense
  $ 13,175      
18,958
    $ 5,783  
Effective income tax rates
    4.9 %     7.2 %  
2.3 points
 
 
The decrease in income tax expense is due to the decrease in the effective income tax rate in 2007 as compared with 2006.  The decrease in the effective income tax rate was the result of a greater portion of income before income tax expense being generated by Platinum Holdings and Platinum Bermuda in 2007, which are not subject to corporate income tax.  In 2007, the combined net income derived from Platinum Holdings and Platinum Bermuda was 80.0% as compared to 77.4% in 2006.  The effective tax rate in any given year is based on income before income tax expense of our subsidiaries that operate in various jurisdictions, each of which has its own corporate income tax rate.
 
Segment Information
 
We conduct our worldwide reinsurance business through three operating segments: Property and Marine, Casualty and Finite Risk.  In managing our operating segments, we use measures such as underwriting income and underwriting ratios to evaluate segment performance.  We do not allocate by segment our assets or certain income and expenses such as investment income, interest expense and certain corporate expenses.  Total underwriting income is reconciled to income before income tax expense.  The measures we use in evaluating our operating segments should not be used as a substitute for measures determined under U.S. GAAP.  The following table summarizes underwriting activity and ratios for the three operating segments for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2007 and 2006 ($ in thousands):
 
   
Property
and Marine
   
Casualty
   
Finite Risk
   
Total
 
Three months ended September 30, 2007:
                       
Net premiums written
  $ 142,549                 $ 292,132  
Net premiums earned
                       
Net losses and LAE
                       
Net acquisition expenses
                (507  )      
Other underwriting expenses
                       
Segment underwriting income (loss)
  $ 54,349      
1,866
      (2,030  )      
                                 
Net investment income
     
54,283
 
Net realized losses on investments
      (864 )
Net foreign currency exchange gains
     
1,429
 
Other expense
      (659 )
Corporate expenses not allocated to segments
      (7,404 )
Interest expense
      (5,457 )
Income before income tax expense
    $ 95,513  
                                 
Ratios:
                               
Net loss and LAE
    33.8 %     71.7 %     127.2     56.5 %
Net acquisition expense
    14.4 %     21.7 %     (6.3  %)     17.7 %
Other underwriting expense
    9.4 %     5.4 %     4.6     7.1 %
Combined
    57.6 %     98.8 %     125.5       81.3 %
                                 
 
- 25 -

    
    Property and Marine         Casualty        Finite Risk        Total   
Three months ended September 30, 2006:
                               
Net premiums written
  $ 83,018      
202,302
     
12,680
    $ 298,000  
Net premiums earned
   
97,686
     
214,427
     
27,496
     
339,609
 
Net losses and LAE
   
17,181
     
149,698
     
24,549
     
191,428
 
Net acquisition expenses
   
14,895
     
54,503
     
5,596
     
74,994
 
Other underwriting expenses
   
8,608
     
9,464
     
1,991
     
20,063
 
Segment underwriting income (loss)
  $ 57,002      
762
      (4,640  )    
53,124
 
                                 
Net investment income
     
48,302
 
Net realized gains on investments
      (57 )
Net foreign currency exchange gains
      (228 )
Other expense
     
1,714
 
Corporate expenses not allocated to segments
      (5,285 )
Interest expense
      (5,452 )
Income before income tax expense
    $ 92,118  
                                 
Ratios:
                               
Net loss and LAE
    17.6 %     69.8 %     89.3     56.4 %
Acquisition expense
    15.2 %     25.4 %     20.4  %     22.1 %
Other underwriting expense
    8.8 %     4.4 %     7.2     5.9 %
Combined
    41.6 %     99.6 %     116.9       84.4 %
 
Nine Months Ended September 30, 2007:
                       
Net premiums written
  $ 399,429                 $ 878,772  
Net premiums earned
                       
Net losses and LAE
                       
Net acquisition expenses
                       
Other underwriting expenses
                       
Segment underwriting income
  $ 140,517      
4,100
     
3,647
       
                                 
Net investment income
     
160,666
 
Net realized losses on investments
      (2,521 )
Net foreign currency exchange gains
     
2,887
 
Other expense
      (3,645 )
Corporate expenses not allocated to segments
      (21,322 )
Interest expense
      (16,368 )
Income before income tax expense
    $ 267,961  
                                 
Ratios:
                               
Net loss and LAE
    40.0 %     72.2 %     77.8 %     58.6 %
Net acquisition expense
    13.6 %     22.4 %     0.6 %     18.0 %
Other underwriting expense
    8.8 %     4.5 %     7.7 %     6.4 %
Combined
    62.4 %     99.1 %     86.1 %     83.0 %
                                 
 
- 26 -

 
    Property and Marine         Casualty        Finite Risk        Total   
Nine Months Ended September 30, 2006:
                               
Net premiums written
  $ 333,906      
583,950
      (16,816 )   $ 901,040  
Net premiums earned
   
342,322
     
573,168
     
105,485
     
1,020,975
 
Net losses and LAE
   
104,876
     
394,087
     
86,703
     
585,666
 
Net acquisition expenses
   
55,783
     
141,025
     
23,477
     
220,285
 
Other underwriting expenses
   
27,642
     
23,487
     
3,935
     
55,064
 
Segment underwriting income (loss)
  $ 154,021      
14,569
      (8,630 )    
159,960
 
                                 
Net investment income
     
137,165
 
Net realized gains on investments
     
22
 
Net foreign currency exchange gains
     
461
 
Other expense
      (1,927 )
Corporate expenses not allocated to segments
      (16,664 )
Interest expense
      (16,352 )
Income before income tax expense
    $ 262,665  
                                 
Ratios:
                               
Net loss and LAE
    30.6 %     68.8 %     82.2 %     57.4 %
Net acquisition expense
    16.3 %     24.6 %     22.3 %     21.6 %
Other underwriting expense
    8.1 %     4.1 %     3.7 %     5.4 %
Combined
    55.0 %     97.5 %     108.2 %     84.4 %
 
Property and Marine
 
The Property and Marine operating segment includes principally property (including crop) and marine reinsurance coverages that are written in the United States and international markets.  This business includes property catastrophe excess-of-loss contracts, property per-risk excess-of-loss contracts and property proportional contracts.  This operating segment represented 48.8% and 27.8% of our net premiums written during the three months ended September 30, 2007 and 2006, respectively, and 45.4% and 37.1% of our net premiums written in the nine months ended September 30, 2007 and 2006, respectively.
 
 Three Months Ended September 30, 2007 as Compared with the Three Months Ended September 30, 2006
 
Gross, ceded and net premiums written and earned for the three months ended September 30, 2007 and 2006 were as follows ($ in thousands):
 
   
2007
   
2006
   
Increase
(decrease)
 
Gross premiums written
  $ 146,948           $ 46,566  
Ceded premiums written
   
4,399
     
17,364
      (12,965 )
Net premiums written
   
142,549
     
83,018
     
59,531
 
                         
Gross premiums earned
               
8,287
 
Ceded premiums earned
   
3,504
     
25,911
      (22,407 )
Net premiums earned
  $ 128,380      
97,686
    $ 30,694  
 
- 27 -

The increase in gross premiums written in 2007 as compared with 2006 was primarily in the catastrophe excess classes.  The increase is also due, in part, to different methods of estimating net premiums written between Platinum UK and Platinum Bermuda, which resulted in an increase in gross and net premiums written of approximately $35,031,000 and $27,541,000, respectively, in 2007 as compared with 2006.  The decline in ceded premiums written is attributable to the non-renewal in 2007 of the Property Quota Share Agreement.  The increase in net premiums earned in 2007 as compared with 2006 was primarily due to the increase in net premiums written.
 
 
Net losses and LAE and the resulting net loss and LAE ratios for the three months ended September 30, 2007 and 2006 were as follows ($ in thousands):
 
   
2007
   
2006
   
Increase
 
Net losses and LAE
  $ 43,396      
17,181
    $ 26,215  
Net loss and LAE ratios
    33.8 %     17.6 %  
 16.2 points
 
 
The increases in net losses and LAE and related ratios in 2007 as compared with 2006 were primarily due to the increase in net premiums earned as well as to less net favorable loss development.  Net favorable loss development was $13,898,000 in 2007, representing 10.9% of net premiums earned, and $26,179,000 in 2006, representing 26.6% of net premiums earned.  Net losses in 2007 include catastrophe losses, including losses resulting from floods in the United Kingdom, totaling $4,882,000, which represent 3.8% of net premiums earned in 2007 as compared with no losses from major catastrophes in the same period during 2006.  Exclusive of the catastrophe losses and net favorable loss development, the net loss and LAE ratio decreased by approximately 3.1% in 2007 as compared to 2006 due to an increase in the proportion of catastrophe excess business, which, because of the low level of catastrophes, had a lower loss and LAE ratio than the remainder of the segment.  The increased property catastrophe underwriting profits were partially offset by storm losses in the international crop class.  The net loss and LAE ratios were also affected by other changes in the mix of business.
 
Net acquisition expenses and resulting net acquisition expense ratios for the three months ended September 30, 2007 and 2006 were as follows ($ in thousands):
 
   
2007
   
2006
   
Increase
(decrease)
 
Net acquisition expenses
  $ 18,549      
14,895
    $ 3,654  
Net acquisition expense ratios
    14.4 %     15.2 %  
(0.8) points
 
 
The increase in net acquisition expenses in 2007 as compared with 2006 was primarily due to the increase in net premiums earned.  The decrease in the net acquisition expense ratio in 2007 as compared with 2006 was primarily due to the continued decrease in property proportional business and an increase in property catastrophe excess business, which had a lower acquisition expense ratio than property proportional business.  Net acquisition expenses includes increases in adjustable commissions of $1,540,000 in 2007, representing 1.2% of net premiums earned, related to favorable net loss development from prior years as compared with increases of $1,436,000 in 2006, representing 1.5% of net premiums earned.  The net acquisition expense ratios were also impacted by other changes in the mix of business.
 
Other underwriting expenses in 2007 and 2006 were $12,086,000 and $8,608,000, respectively.  The increase in 2007 as compared with 2006 was due to increased compensation costs as well as increased fees relating to the RenRe Agreement.  Other underwriting expenses in 2007 and 2006 include fees of $2,724,000 and $1,453,000, respectively, relating to the RenRe Agreement, which increased as a result of increased property catastrophe premiums.  Additionally, an increased percentage of underwriting costs are allocated to the Property and Marine segment in 2007 as compared with 2006 as the segment represents an increasing percentage of the written premium and underwriting operations.
 
 
- 28 -

 Nine Months Ended September 30, 2007 as Compared with the Nine Months Ended September 30, 2006
 
Gross, ceded and net premiums written and earned for the nine months ended September 30, 2007 and 2006 were as follows ($ in thousands):
 
   
2007
   
2006
   
Increase
(decrease)
 
Gross premiums written
  $ 416,676           $ 7,115  
Ceded premiums written
   
17,247
     
75,655
      (58,408 )
Net premiums written
   
399,429
     
333,906
     
65,523
 
                         
Gross premiums earned
                (13,496 )
Ceded premiums earned
   
17,838
     
62,238
      (44,400 )
Net premiums earned
  $ 373,226      
342,322
    $ 30,904  

Gross premiums written in 2007 are comparable to 2006, however, there are significant increases in the property catastrophe excess classes that were substantially offset by decreases in the proportional classes.  The decline in ceded premiums written was attributable to the non-renewal in 2007 of the Property Quota Share Agreement.  Net premiums earned in 2007 increased primarily as a result of the decrease in ceded premiums.
 
Net losses and LAE and the resulting net loss and LAE ratios for the nine months ended September 30, 2007 and 2006 were as follows ($ in thousands):
   
2007
   
2006
   
Increase
 
Net losses and LAE
  $ 149,265      
104,876
    $ 44,389  
Net loss and LAE ratios
    40.0 %     30.6 %  
9.4 points
 
 
The increase in net losses and LAE and related ratios in 2007 were primarily due to losses of $32,645,000 from European storm Kyrill and $11,428,000 from floods in the United Kingdom in 2007, representing 12.0% of net premiums earned, as compared with no losses from major catastrophes during 2006.  Net favorable loss development was $40,848,000 in 2007, representing 10.9% of net premiums earned, as compared with $43,571,000 during 2006, representing 12.7% of net premiums earned.  Exclusive of losses related to Kyrill, the floods in the United Kingdom and net favorable development, the net loss and LAE ratio decreased by approximately 3.5% due primarily to the increase in the proportion of catastrophe excess business which has a lower loss and LAE ratio than the remainder of the segment.  The net loss and LAE ratios were also affected by other changes in the mix of business.
 
Net acquisition expenses and resulting net acquisition expense ratios for the nine months ended September 30, 2007 and 2006 were as follows ($ in thousands):
 
   
2007
   
2006
   
Decrease
 
Net acquisition expenses
  $ 50,748      
55,783
    $ 5,035  
Net acquisition expense ratios
    13.6 %     16.3 %  
2.7 points
 

The decreases in net acquisition expenses and the net acquisition expense ratio in 2007 as compared with 2006 were primarily due to a decrease in property proportional business and an increase in property catastrophe excess business, which has a lower acquisition expense ratio than property proportional business.  The net acquisition expense ratios were also impacted by changes in the mix of business.
 
    Other underwriting expenses in 2007 and 2006 were $32,696,000 and $27,642,000, respectively.  The increase in 2007 as compared with 2006 was due to increased compensation costs and increased fees relating to the RenRe Agreement.  Other underwriting expenses in 2007 and 2006 include fees of $7,776,000 and $6,292,000, respectively, relating to the RenRe Agreement.  Additionally, an increased percentage of underwriting costs are allocated to the Property and Marine segment in 2007 as compared with 2006 as the segment represents an increasing percentage of the written premium and underwriting operations.
 
 
- 29 -

        Casualty
 
The Casualty operating segment principally includes reinsurance contracts that cover umbrella liability, general and product liability, professional liability, workers' compensation, casualty clash, automobile liability, surety, trade credit, political risk and accident and health.  This operating segment represented 48.3% and 67.9% of our net premiums written during the three months ended September 30, 2007 and 2006, respectively, and 51.9% and 64.8% of our net premiums written during the nine months ended September 30, 2007 and 2006, respectively.
 
 Three Months Ended September 30, 2007 as Compared with the Three Months Ended September 30, 2006
 
Gross, ceded and net premiums written and earned for the three months ended September 30, 2007 and 2006 were as follows ($ in thousands):
 
   
2007
   
2006
   
Decrease
 
Gross premiums written
  $ 141,214           $ 61,181  
Ceded premiums written
   
     
93
     
93
 
Net premiums written
   
141,214
     
202,302
     
61,088
 
                         
Gross premiums earned
               
60,564
 
Ceded premiums earned
   
19
     
94
     
75
 
Net premiums earned
  $ 153,938      
214,427
    $ 60,489  

The decrease in net premiums written in 2007 as compared with 2006 was primarily due to decreases across most North American casualty classes of approximately $58,564,000, of which $39,201,000 was in the umbrella class.  The decrease reflects fewer opportunities that met our underwriting standards.  The decrease in net premiums earned was the result of the decrease in net premiums written.  Net premiums written and earned were also affected by changes in the mix of business and the structure of the underlying reinsurance contracts.
 
Net losses and LAE and the resulting net loss and LAE ratios for the three months ended September 30, 2007 and 2006 were as follows ($ in thousands):
 
   
2007
   
2006
   
Increase
(decrease)
 
Net losses and LAE
  $ 110,365      
149,698
    $ (39,333 )
Net loss and LAE ratios
    71.7 %     69.8 %  
1.9 points
 

The decrease in net losses and LAE in 2007 as compared with 2006 was primarily due to the decrease in net premiums earned, partially offset by an increase in the net loss and LAE ratio.  The increase in the net loss and LAE ratio in 2007 as compared with 2006 was due to higher initial expected loss ratios in certain significant classes reflecting a decline in price adequacy.  Net losses and LAE included net unfavorable loss development of approximately $954,000 in 2007, representing 0.6% of net premiums earned, as compared with $582,000 during 2006 representing 0.3% of net premiums earned.  The net loss and LAE ratio in 2007 was also affected by the changes in the mix of business.
 
Net acquisition expenses and resulting net acquisition expense ratios for the three months ended September 30, 2007 and 2006 were as follows ($ in thousands):
 
   
2007
   
2006
   
Decrease
 
Net acquisition expenses
  $ 33,403      
54,503
    $ 21,100  
Net acquisition expense ratios
    21.7 %     25.4 %  
3.7 points
 

The decrease in net acquisition expenses in 2007 as compared with 2006 was due to the decrease in net premiums earned.  The decrease in the net acquisition expense ratios is due primarily to the reduction of an adjustable commission of $2,968,000, representing 1.9% of net premiums earned in 2007.  Additionally, the decrease in the acquisition expense ratio is attributable to the decrease in umbrella premiums which have a higher acquisition expense ratio than the remainder of the segment.  The acquisition expense ratios are also impacted by other changes in the mix of business.
 
- 30 -

 
Other underwriting expenses for the three months ended September 30, 2007 and 2006 were $8,304,000 and $9,464,000, respectively.  The decrease in 2007 as compared with 2006 was due primarily to a lower percentage of underwriting expenses allocated to the Casualty segment and a higher percentage allocated to the Property and Marine segment as a result of the shift of business more towards property.
 
Nine Months Ended September 30, 2007 as Compared with the Nine Months Ended September 30, 2006
 
Gross, ceded and net premiums written and earned for the nine months ended September 30, 2007 and 2006 were as follows ($ in thousands):
 
   
2007
   
2006
   
Decrease
 
Gross premiums written
  $ 455,996           $ 128,030  
Ceded premiums written
   
51
     
76
     
25
 
Net premiums written
   
455,945
     
583,950
     
128,005
 
                         
Gross premiums earned
               
101,399
 
Ceded premiums earned
   
43
     
76
     
33
 
Net premiums earned
  $ 471,802      
573,168
    $ 101,366  

The decrease in net premiums written in 2007 as compared with 2006 was primarily due to decreases in business underwritten in 2006 and 2007 across most North American casualty classes, with the most significant decreases in the umbrella, occurrence based excess casualty and first dollar general liability classes.  The decreases are the result of fewer opportunities that met our underwriting standards.  Net premiums written and earned were also affected by changes in the mix of business and the structure of the underlying reinsurance contracts.
 
Net losses and LAE and the resulting net loss and LAE ratios for the nine months ended September 30, 2007 and 2006 were as follows ($ in thousands):
 
   
2007
   
2006
   
Increase
(decrease)
 
Net losses and LAE
  $ 340,740      
394,087
    $ (53,347 )
Net loss and LAE ratios
    72.2 %     68.8 %  
3.4 points
 

The decrease in net losses and LAE in 2007 as compared with 2006 was primarily due to the decrease in net premiums earned, partially offset by an increase in the net loss and LAE ratio.  The increase in the net loss and LAE ratio in 2007 as compared with 2006 was due to higher initial expected loss ratios in certain significant classes reflecting a decline in price adequacy.  The net loss and LAE ratio in 2007 was also affected by the changes in the mix of business within the segment toward contracts with higher loss and LAE ratios and lower acquisition expense ratios compared with 2006.
 
Net acquisition expenses and resulting net acquisition expense ratios for the nine months ended September 30, 2007 and 2006 were as follows ($ in thousands):
 
   
2007
   
2006
   
Decrease
 
Net acquisition expenses
  $ 105,499      
141,025
    $ 35,526  
Net acquisition expense ratios
    22.4 %     24.6 %  
2.2 points
 

The decrease in net acquisition expenses in 2007 as compared with 2006 was due to the decrease in net premiums earned.  The decrease in the net acquisition expense ratio in 2007 as compared with the same period during 2006 is due to decreases in the North American umbrella and first dollar general liability classes, both of which had higher acquisition expense ratios than the remainder of the segment.  Net acquisition expenses include decreases in adjustable commissions of $4,551,000 in 2007, representing 0.9% of net premiums earned, related to favorable net loss development from prior years as compared with decreases of $1,725,000 in 2006, representing 0.3% of net premiums earned.
 
- 31 -

       Other underwriting expenses were $21,463,000 and $23,487,000 for the nine months ended September 30, 2007 and 2006, respectively.  The decrease in 2007 as compared with 2006 was due primarily to a lower percentage of underwriting expenses allocated to the Casualty segment and a higher percentage allocated to the Property and Marine segment as a result of the shift of business more towards property.
 
     Finite Risk
 
The Finite Risk operating segment includes principally structured reinsurance contracts with ceding companies whose needs may not be met efficiently through traditional reinsurance products.  In exchange for contractual features that limit our downside risk, reinsurance contracts that we classify as finite risk provide the potential for significant profit commission to the ceding company.  The classes of risks underwritten through finite risk contracts are generally consistent with the classes covered by traditional products.  The finite risk contracts that we underwrite generally provide prospective protection, meaning coverage is provided for losses that are incurred after inception of the contract, as contrasted with retrospective coverage, which covers losses that are incurred prior to inception of the contract.  The three main categories of our finite risk contracts are quota share, multi-year excess-of-loss and whole account aggregate stop loss.  Due to the often significant inverse relationship between losses and commissions for this segment, we believe it is important to evaluate the overall combined ratio, rather than its component parts of net loss and loss adjustment expense ratio and net acquisition expense ratio.  The ongoing industry-wide investigations by legal and regulatory authorities into potential misuse of finite products have curtailed demand for these products in 2007 and 2006.  This operating segment represented 2.9% and 4.3% of our net premiums written during the three months ended September 30, 2007 and 2006, respectively, and 2.7% and (1.9%) of our net premiums written during the nine months ended September 30, 2007 and 2006, respectively.
 
 Three Months Ended September 30, 2007 as Compared with the Three Months Ended September 30, 2006
 
Gross, ceded and net premiums written and earned for the three months ended September 30, 2007 and 2006 were as follows ($ in thousands):
 
   
2007
   
2006
   
Decrease
 
Gross premiums written
  $ 8,368           $ 8,480  
Ceded premiums written
    (1 )    
4,168
     
4,169
 
Net premiums written
   
8,369
     
12,680
     
4,311
 
                         
Gross premiums earned
               
23,672
 
Ceded premiums earned
   
     
4,168
     
4,168
 
Net premiums earned
  $ 7,992      
27,496
    $ 19,504  

The Finite Risk segment consists of a small number of contracts that can be large in premium size and, consequently, overall premium volume may vary significantly from year to year.  The decrease in net premiums written and earned in 2007 compared with 2006 was primarily due to the expiration of three finite casualty contracts.
 
Net losses and LAE, net acquisition expenses and the resulting net loss and LAE and acquisition ratios for the three months ended September 30, 2007 and 2006 were as follows ($ in thousands):
 
   
2007
   
2006
   
Increase
(decrease)
 
Net losses and LAE
  $ 10,162      
24,549
    $ (14,387 )
Net loss and LAE ratios
    127.2 %     89.3 %  
37.9 points
 
                         
Net acquisition expenses
  $ (507 )    
5,596
    $ (6,103 )
Net acquisition expense ratios
    (6.3 %)     20.4 %  
(26.7) points
 
                         
Net losses, LAE and acquisition expenses
  $ 9,655      
30,145
    $ (20,490 )
Net loss, LAE and acquisition expense ratios
    120.9 %     109.7 %  
11.2 points
 
 
The decrease in net losses, LAE and acquisition expenses in 2007 as compared with 2006 was primarily due to the decrease in net premiums earned.  The increase in the net loss, LAE and acquisition expense ratio in 2007 as compared with 2006 was due to an increase in 2007 of the loss ratio on a multi-year surety program as well as the impact of net unfavorable development from prior years.  Net unfavorable development was $1,410,000 in 2007, representing 17.6% of net premiums earned, as compared with approximately $3,823,000 in 2006, representing 13.9% of net premiums earned.
- 32 -

 
Other underwriting expenses for the three months ended September 30, 2007 and 2006 were $367,000 and $1,991,000, respectively.  The decrease in 2007 as compared with 2006 was due to a decline in underwriting activity in the segment in addition to a lower percentage of underwriting expenses allocated to the segment and a higher percentage of underwriting expenses allocated to the Property and Marine segment by Platinum Bermuda as a result of the shift of its business more towards property.
 
Nine Months Ended September 30, 2007 as Compared with the Nine Months Ended September 30, 2006
 
Gross, ceded and net premiums written and earned for the nine months ended September 30, 2007 and 2006 were as follows ($ in thousands):
 
   
2007
   
2006
   
Increase
(decrease)
 
Gross premiums written
  $ 21,455       (8,790 )   $ 30,245  
Ceded premiums written
    (1,943 )    
8,026
      (9,969 )
Net premiums written
   
23,398
      (16,816 )    
40,214
 
                         
Gross premiums earned
                (90,758 )
Ceded premiums earned
    (1,942 )    
9,379
      (11,321 )
Net premiums earned
  $ 26,048      
105,485
    $ (79,437 )
 
The increase in net premiums written in 2007 as compared with 2006 was primarily attributable to the termination of a significant finite casualty proportional contract effective January 1, 2006 on a cut-off basis, which resulted in the return of $56,589,000 of previously written but unearned premium.  The decrease in net premiums earned reflects the reduction in our finite business in 2006 and 2007.
 
Net losses and LAE, net acquisition expenses and the resulting net loss and LAE and acquisition ratios for the nine months ended September 30, 2007 and 2006 were as follows ($ in thousands):
 
   
2007
   
2006
   
Decrease
 
Net losses and LAE
  $ 20,262      
86,703
    $ 66,441  
Net loss and LAE ratios
    77.8 %     82.2 %  
4.4 points
 
                         
Net acquisition expenses
  $ 145      
23,477
    $ 23,332  
Net acquisition expense ratios
    0.6 %     22.3 %  
21.7 points
 
                         
Net losses, LAE and acquisition expenses
  $ 20,407      
110,180
    $ 89,773  
Net loss, LAE and acquisition expense ratios
    78.4 %     104.5 %  
26.1 points
 

The decrease in net losses, LAE and acquisition expenses in 2007 as compared with 2006 was primarily due to the decrease in net premiums earned.  The decrease in the net loss, LAE and acquisition expense ratio was primarily due to the difference in net favorable development from prior years.  Net favorable development was $3,099,000 in 2007, representing 11.5% of net premiums earned, as compared with net unfavorable development of approximately $9,853,000 in 2006, representing 9.5% of net premiums earned.  Also contributing to the decrease in the net loss, LAE and acquisition ratio in 2007 was the expiration of a significant finite casualty proportional contract that had a higher combined ratio than the remainder of the Finite Risk segment.
 
Other underwriting expenses for the nine months ended September 30, 2007 and 2006 were $1,994,000 and $3,935,000, respectively.  The decrease in 2007 as compared with 2006 was due to a decline in underwriting activity in the segment in addition to a lower percentage of underwriting expenses allocated to the segment and a higher percentage of underwriting expenses allocated to the Property and Marine segment by Platinum Bermuda as a result of the shift of its business more towards property.
 
 
- 33 -

 Financial Condition, Liquidity and Capital Resources
 
        Financial Condition
 
    Cash and cash equivalents and investments as of September 30, 2007 and December 31, 2006 were as follows ($ in thousands):
 
   
September 30, 2007
   
December 31,
2006
   
Increase
(decrease)
 
Cash and cash equivalents
  $ 771,530      
851,652
    $ (80,122 )
Fixed maturity securities
   
3,592,453
     
3,334,645
     
257,808
 
Preferred stocks
   
9,667
     
10,772
      (1,105 )
Short-term investments
   
33,602
     
27,123
     
6,479
 
Other invested asset
   
     
4,745
      (4,745 )
Total
  $ 4,407,252      
4,228,937
    $ 178,315  

The net increase in total cash and cash equivalents and investments as of September 30, 2007 as compared with December 31, 2006 was due to positive net cash flows from operations in 2007.  Our available-for-sale and trading portfolios are composed primarily of diversified, high quality, predominantly publicly traded fixed maturity securities.  Our investment portfolio, excluding cash and cash equivalents, had a weighted average duration of 2.79 years as of September 30, 2007.  We maintain and periodically update our overall duration target for the portfolio and routinely monitor the composition of and cash flows from the portfolio to maintain the liquidity necessary to meet our obligations.
 
Certain assets and liabilities associated with underwriting include significant estimates.  Reinsurance premiums receivable, deferred acquisition costs, unpaid losses and LAE, unearned premiums and commissions payable all represent or include significant estimates.  Reinsurance premiums receivable as of September 30, 2007 of $299,295,000 included $244,259,000 that was based upon estimates.  Reinsurance premiums receivable as of December 31, 2006 of $377,183,000 included $315,243,000 that was based upon estimates.  The decrease in reinsurance premiums receivable as of September 30, 2007 as compared with December 31, 2006 was due to the decrease in premiums written.  An allowance for uncollectible reinsurance premiums is considered for possible non-payment of such amounts due, as deemed necessary.  As of September 30, 2007, based on our historical experience, the general profile of our ceding companies and our ability, in most cases, to contractually offset reinsurance premiums receivable with losses and LAE or other amounts payable to the same parties, we did not establish an allowance for uncollectible reinsurance premiums receivable.
 
    Gross unpaid losses and LAE as of September 30, 2007 of $2,363,274,000 included $1,692,558,000 of estimates of claims that are incurred but not reported ("IBNR").  Gross unpaid losses and LAE as of December 31, 2006 of $2,368,482,000 included $1,648,635,000 of IBNR.
 
Commissions payable as of September 30, 2007 of $105,725,000 included $91,878,000 that was based upon premium estimates.  Commissions payable as of December 31, 2006 of $140,835,000 included $124,906,000 that was based upon premium estimates.  The decrease in commissions payable as of September 30, 2007 as compared with December 31, 2006 was due to the decrease in premiums written and is consistent with the decrease in reinsurance premiums receivable.
 
    We entered into an agreement on July 1, 2007 whereby we may recover up to $116,000,000 from the counterparty if modeled losses from a second catastrophe event exceed a specified attachment point.  The coverage period ends on December 31, 2007.  This agreement has been accounted for as a derivative and recorded at fair value.
 
Sources of Liquidity
 
Our consolidated sources of funds consist primarily of premiums written, investment income, proceeds from sales and redemption of investments, losses recovered from retrocessionaires, issuance of securities and actual cash and cash equivalents held by us.  Net cash flows provided by operations, excluding trading security activities, for the nine months ended September 30, 2007 were $388,939,000.
 
Platinum Holdings is a holding company that conducts no reinsurance operations of its own.  All of its reinsurance operations are conducted through its wholly owned operating subsidiaries:  Platinum Bermuda and Platinum US.  As a holding company, the cash flows of Platinum Holdings consist primarily of interest, dividends and other permissible payments from its subsidiaries and issuances of securities.  Platinum Holdings depends on such payments for general corporate purposes and to meet its obligations, including the payment of dividends to its preferred and common shareholders.
       
- 34 -

 
In addition to the net cash flows generated from operations, we have an effective universal shelf registration statement whereby we may issue and sell, in one or more offerings, up to $750,000,000 of debt, equity and other types of securities or a combination of the above, including debt securities of Platinum Finance unconditionally guaranteed by Platinum Holdings.  This shelf registration statement had approximately $440,000,000 of remaining capacity as of September 30, 2007.  We also have a five year, $400,000,000 credit facility with a syndicate of lenders available for revolving borrowings and letters of credit.  The credit facility is generally available for our working capital, liquidity, letters of credit and general corporate requirements and those of our subsidiaries.  As of September 30, 2007 this facility had $331,737,000 of capacity available to us.
 
    Liquidity Requirements
 
Our principal consolidated cash requirements are the payment of losses and LAE, commissions, brokerage, operating expenses, dividends to our preferred and common shareholders, the servicing of debt, capital expenditures, purchase of retrocessional contracts and payment of taxes.
 
Platinum Bermuda is not licensed, approved or accredited as a reinsurer anywhere in the United States and, therefore, under the terms of most of its contracts with United States ceding companies, it is required to provide collateral to its ceding companies for unpaid ceded liabilities in a form acceptable to state insurance commissioners.  Typically, this type of collateral takes the form of letters of credit issued by a bank, the establishment of a trust, or funds withheld.  Platinum Bermuda provides letters of credit through commercial banks and may be required to provide the banks with a security interest in certain investments of Platinum Bermuda including the credit facility described above.
 
In 2002, we entered into several agreements with The Travelers Companies, Inc., formerly The St. Paul Companies, Inc. ("St. Paul"), for the transfer of continuing reinsurance business and certain related assets of St. Paul.  Among these agreements are quota share retrocession agreements effective November 2, 2002 under which we assumed from St. Paul unearned premiums, unpaid losses and LAE and certain other liabilities on reinsurance contracts becoming effective in 2002 (the "Quota Share Retrocession Agreements").  Platinum US is obligated to collateralize the liabilities assumed from St. Paul under the Quota Share Retrocession Agreements.  In addition, Platinum Bermuda and Platinum US have reinsurance and other contracts that also require them to provide collateral to ceding companies should certain events occur, such as a decline in the rating by A.M. Best Company, Inc. ("A.M. Best") below specified levels or a decline in statutory equity below specified amounts, or the attainment of specified levels of assumed liabilities from certain ceding companies.  Some reinsurance contracts also have special termination provisions that permit early termination should certain events occur.
 
We believe that the net cash flows generated by the operating activities of our subsidiaries in combination with cash and cash equivalents on hand will provide sufficient funds to meet our liquidity needs over the next twelve months.  Beyond the next twelve months, cash flows available to us may be influenced by a variety of factors, including economic conditions in general and in the insurance and reinsurance markets, legal and regulatory changes as well as fluctuations from year to year in claims experience and the occurrence or absence of large catastrophic events.  If our liquidity needs accelerate beyond our ability to fund such obligations from current operating cash flows, we may need to liquidate a portion of our investment portfolio, borrow under the credit facility described above or raise additional capital in the capital markets.  Our ability to meet our liquidity needs by selling investments or raising additional capital is subject to the timing and pricing risks inherent in the capital markets.
 
      Capital Resources
 
The Company does not have any material commitments for capital expenditures as of September 30, 2007.
 
      Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements
 
The Company does not have any off-balance sheet arrangements and, therefore, there is no effect on its financial condition, revenues or expenses, results of operations, liquidity, capital expenditures or capital resources from these types of arrangements.
 
 
- 35 -

        Contractual Obligations
 
There have been no material changes to our contractual obligations as disclosed under Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition – Contractual Obligations in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2006.
 
 Economic Conditions
 
Periods of moderate economic recession or inflation tend not to have a significant direct effect on our underwriting operations.  Significant unexpected inflationary or recessionary periods can, however, impact our underwriting operations and investment portfolio.  Management considers the potential impact of economic trends in the estimation process for establishing unpaid losses and LAE.
 
 
From January through October of 2007 approximately 95% of our business was up for renewal.  The estimated ultimate net premium of our business underwritten in 2007 was approximately 5% less than our business underwritten in 2006 as terms and conditions improved in some lines of business and deteriorated in others.
 
For the Property and Marine segment, during 2007 we achieved average rate increases of over 20% on our U.S. property catastrophe excess renewal business while rates on our non-U.S. property catastrophe excess renewal business were approximately equal to expiring.  In addition, we have achieved average rate increases of approximately 9% on our marine renewal business.  Per risk excess rates were approximately equal to expiring in both our U.S. and non-U.S. renewal business.
 
From January through October of 2007 we wrote approximately 25% more U.S. catastrophe excess-of-loss premium than we did during 2006.  We elected not to renew the collateralized Property Quota Share Agreement.  As a consequence of reducing our use of retrocession and writing a larger gross portfolio of catastrophe excess-of-loss business in 2007, our net retained risk and potential profit has increased for 2007.  For 2007 we plan to deploy capacity such that up to approximately 22.5% of our total capital could be exposed to an event with a probability of 1 in 250 years.
 
The lack of significant catastrophe activity in 2006 and so far in 2007 has contributed to excellent financial results, stronger balance sheets and increased capacity for many reinsurers.  We believe that all classes within the Property and Marine segment will experience some rate deterioration for the remainder of 2007 and in early 2008.
 
For the Casualty segment, although we believe that the market generally offers adequate returns, pricing has been softening.  Ceding companies are willing to increase retentions and reinsurers are competing for participation on the best contracts.  During 2007 rate changes by class of business have ranged from an increase of approximately 9% to a decrease of approximately 13%, however, the overall average was a decrease of approximately 4%, against a background of upward trending loss costs.  As a result, we believe the business underwritten in 2007 will have a lower level of expected profitability as compared with the business underwritten in 2006.
 
From January through October of 2007 we wrote approximately 26% less casualty business than we did during 2006.  We expect market conditions will continue to weaken through the remainder of 2007 and that fewer casualty opportunities will be attractive.  We believe that financial security remains a significant concern for buyers of long-tailed reinsurance protection who typically seek reinsurers with strong balance sheets, quality ratings, and a proven claims-paying record.  We believe that our rating, capitalization and reputation as a lead casualty reinsurer position us well to write profitable business as opportunities arise.
 
In the Finite Risk segment, we believe that the ongoing investigations by the Securities and Exchange Commission (the "SEC"), the office of the Attorney General for the State of New York, the U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of New York as well as various non-U.S. regulatory authorities continues to reduce demand for limited risk transfer products.  We believe we can deploy our human and financial capital more profitably in other lines of business.  As a result, we are devoting fewer underwriting and pricing resources to this segment than in prior years.  We expect the relatively low level of demand will continue during 2007.  We expect to continue to focus our efforts on our Property and Marine and Casualty segments.
 
- 36 -

 
In 2006 we expanded the operations of Platinum Bermuda in order to make it our principal reinsurer of our global catastrophe and financial lines reinsurance portfolios.  As part of this plan, we began to renew business previously written by Platinum UK in Platinum Bermuda.  We also renewed certain property catastrophe contracts of Platinum US in Platinum Bermuda.  After successfully renewing substantially all of the reinsurance business written by Platinum UK in Platinum Bermuda, we ceased underwriting reinsurance in Platinum UK in 2007.
 
 Critical Accounting Estimates
 
It is important to understand our accounting estimates in order to understand our financial position and results of operations.  We consider certain of these estimates to be critical to the presentation of the financial results since they require management to make estimates and valuation assumptions.  These estimates and assumptions affect the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, revenues, expenses and related disclosures.  Certain of the estimates and assumptions result from judgments that are necessarily subjective and, consequently, actual results may materially differ from these estimates.  Our critical accounting estimates include premiums written and earned, unpaid losses and LAE, valuation of investments and evaluation of risk transfer.  For a detailed discussion of the Company’s critical accounting estimates please refer to Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2006.  There have been no material changes in the application of the Company’s critical accounting estimates subsequent to December 31, 2006.
 
ITEM 3. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK
 
 Market and Credit Risk
 
Our principal invested assets are fixed maturity securities, which are subject to the risk of potential losses from adverse changes in market rates and prices and credit risk resulting from adverse changes in the borrower's ability to meet its debt service obligations.  Our strategy to limit this risk is to place our investments in high quality credit issues and to limit the amount of credit exposure with respect to any one issuer or asset class.  We also select investments with characteristics such as duration, yield, currency and liquidity to reflect, in the aggregate, the underlying characteristics of our unpaid losses and LAE.  We attempt to minimize the credit risk by actively monitoring the portfolio and requiring a minimum average credit rating for our portfolio of A2 as defined by Moody's Investor Service ("Moody’s").  As of September 30, 2007, the portfolio, excluding cash, cash equivalents and short-term investments, had a dollar weighted average credit rating of Aa1 as defined by Moody’s.
 
We have other receivable amounts subject to credit risk.  The most significant of these are reinsurance premiums receivable from ceding companies.  We also have reinsurance recoverable amounts from our retrocessionaires.  To mitigate credit risk related to premiums receivable, we have established standards for ceding companies and, in most cases, have a contractual right of offset thereby allowing us to settle claims net of any premiums receivable.  To mitigate credit risk related to our reinsurance recoverable amounts, we consider the financial strength of our retrocessionaires when determining whether to purchase coverage from them.  Retrocessional coverage is obtained from companies rated “A-” or better by A. M. Best Company, Inc. or from retrocessionaires whose obligations are fully collateralized.  The financial performance and rating status of all material retrocessionaires is routinely monitored.
 
In accordance with industry practice, we frequently pay amounts in respect of claims under contracts to reinsurance brokers for payment over to the ceding companies.  In the event that a broker fails to make such a payment, depending on the jurisdiction, we may remain liable to the ceding company for the payment.  Conversely, in certain jurisdictions, when ceding companies remit premiums to reinsurance brokers, such premiums are deemed to have been paid to us and the ceding company is no longer liable to us for those amounts whether or not the funds are actually received by us.  Consequently, we assume a degree of credit risk associated with our brokers during the premium and loss settlement process.  To mitigate credit risk related to reinsurance brokers, we have established guidelines for brokers and intermediaries.
 
- 37 -

 Interest Rate Risk
 
We are exposed to fluctuations in interest rates.  Movements in rates can result in changes in the market value of our fixed maturity portfolio and can cause changes in the actual timing of receipt of principal payments of certain securities.  Rising interest rates result in a decrease in the market value of our fixed maturity portfolio and can expose our portfolio, in particular our mortgage-backed securities, to extension risk.  Conversely, a decrease in interest rates will result in an increase in the market value of our fixed maturity portfolio and can expose our portfolio, in particular our mortgage-backed securities, to prepayment risk.  An aggregate hypothetical impact on the market value of our fixed maturity portfolio, generated from an immediate parallel shift in the treasury yield curve, as of September 30, 2007 is as follows ($ in thousands):
 
   
Interest Rate Shift in Basis Points
   
- 100 bp
 
- 50 bp
 
Current
 
+ 50 bp
 
+ 100 bp
Total market value
$
3,693,183
 
3,643,461
 
3,592,453
 
3,539,643
$
3,485,555
Percent change in market value
 
2.8%
 
1.4%
     
(1.5%)
 
(3.0%)
Resulting unrealized appreciation / (depreciation)
$
51,258
 
1,536
 
(49,472)
 
(102,282)
$
(156,370)
 
 Foreign Currency Exchange Rate Risk
 
We write business on a worldwide basis.  Consequently, our principal exposure to foreign currency risk is the transaction of business in foreign currencies.  Changes in foreign currency exchange rates can impact revenues, costs, receivables and liabilities, as measured in the U.S. dollar, our financial reporting currency.  We intend to minimize our exposure to large foreign currency risks by holding invested assets denominated in non-U.S. dollar currencies to offset liabilities denominated in the same foreign currencies.  We may from time to time hold more non-U.S. dollar denominated assets than non-U.S. dollar liabilities.
 
 Sources of Fair Value
 
The following table presents the carrying amounts and estimated fair values of our financial instruments as of September 30, 2007 ($ in thousands):
   
Carrying
Amount
   
Fair Value
 
Financial assets:
           
Fixed maturity securities
  $ 3,592,453     $ 3,592,453  
Preferred stocks
   
9,667
     
9,667
 
Short-term investments
   
33,602
     
33,602
 
Financial liabilities:
               
Debt obligations
  $ 292,840     $ 301,685  

The fair value of fixed maturity securities, preferred stocks and short-term investments are based on quoted market prices at the reporting date for those or similar investments.
 
Item 4. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES
 
 Disclosure Controls and Procedures
 
Our management, including the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, carried out an evaluation of the effectiveness of our disclosure controls and procedures (as such term is defined in Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (the "Exchange Act")) as of the end of the period covered by this report.  Based on that evaluation, our management, including the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, concluded that our disclosure controls and procedures are effective to provide reasonable assurance that information required to be disclosed by us in reports that we file or submit under the Exchange Act is recorded, processed, summarized and timely reported as specified in the SEC’s rules and forms.
 
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 Changes in Internal Control over Financial Reporting
 
No changes occurred during the quarter ended September 30, 2007 in our internal control over financial reporting that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.
 
 Forward-Looking Statements
 
This Form 10-Q contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act and Section 21E of the Exchange Act.  Forward-looking statements are necessarily based on estimates and assumptions that are inherently subject to significant business, economic and competitive uncertainties and contingencies, many of which are subject to change.  These uncertainties and contingencies can affect actual results and could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed in any forward-looking statements made by, or on behalf of, us.
 
In particular, statements using words such as “may,” “should,” “estimate,” “expect,” “anticipate,” “intend,” “believe,” “predict,” “potential,” or words of similar import generally involve forward-looking statements.  For example, we have included certain forward-looking statements in “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” with regard to trends in results, prices, volumes, operations, investment results, margins, risk management and exchange rates.  This Form 10-Q also contains forward-looking statements with respect to our business and industry, such as those relating to our strategy and management objectives and trends in market conditions, market standing, product volumes, investment results and pricing conditions.
 
In light of the risks and uncertainties inherent in all future projections, the inclusion of forward-looking statements in this Form 10-Q should not be considered as a representation by us or any other person that our objectives or plans will be achieved.  Numerous factors could cause our actual results to differ materially from those in forward-looking statements, including the following:
 
 
  (1)
significant weather-related or other natural or man-made disasters over which we have no control;
 
  (2)
the adequacy of our liability for unpaid losses and loss adjustment expenses, including, but not limited to, losses from Hurricanes Katrina, Rita and Wilma and the possibility that ultimate losses and loss adjustment expenses from these hurricanes may prove to be materially different from estimates made to date;
 
  (3)
the effectiveness of our loss limitation methods and pricing models;
 
  (4)
our ability to maintain our A.M. Best Company, Inc. rating;
 
  (5)
conducting operations in a competitive environment;
 
  (6)
the cyclicality of the property and casualty reinsurance business;
 
  (7)
tax, regulatory or legal restrictions or limitations applicable to us or the property and casualty reinsurance business generally;
 
  (8)
our ability to maintain our business relationships with reinsurance brokers;
 
  (9)
the availability of retrocessional reinsurance on acceptable terms;
   (10)
market volatility and interest rate and currency exchange rate fluctuation;
   (11)
general political and economic conditions, including the effects of civil unrest, acts of terrorism, war or a prolonged U.S. or global economic downturn or recession; and
   (12)
changes in our plans, strategies, objectives, expectations or intentions, which may happen at any time at our discretion.
 
As a consequence, current plans, anticipated actions and future financial condition and results may differ from those expressed in any forward-looking statements made by or on behalf of us.  The foregoing factors, which are discussed in more detail in Item 1A – “Risk Factors” in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2006, should not be construed as exhaustive.  Additionally, forward-looking statements speak only as of the date they are made, and we undertake no obligation to release publicly the results of any future revisions or updates we may make to forward-looking statements to reflect new information or circumstances after the date hereof or to reflect the occurrence of future events.
 
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PART II – OTHER INFORMATION
 
Item 2.
UNREGISTERED SALES OF EQUITY SECURITIES AND USE OF PROCEEDS
 
(c)           Following is a summary of purchases by us of our common shares during the quarterly period ended September 30, 2007:
 
Period
 
(a)
Total Number of Shares Purchased
   
(b)
Average Price paid per Share
   
(c)
Total Number of Shares Purchased as Part of Publicly Announced Plans *
   
(d)
Maximum Dollar Value of Shares that May Yet Be Purchased Under the Plan or Programs
 
July 1, 2007 – July 31, 2007
   
200,000
    $
33.44
     
200,000
    $ 243,312,000  
August 1, 2007 – August 31, 2007
   
2,229,000
     
33.47
     
2,229,000
     
168,701,000
 
September 1, 2007 – September 30, 2007
   
667,228
      34.62      
667,228
     
145,603,000
 
Total
   
3,096,228
    $ 33.72      
3,096,228
    $ 145,603,000  

 
*
On August 4, 2004, the Company announced that its Board of Directors had approved a plan to repurchase up to $50,000,000 of its common shares.  On July 26, 2007 the Board approved an increase to the existing repurchase plan of $222,561,000 resulting in authority as of such date to repurchase up to a total of $250,000,000 under the plan.  On October 25, 2007, the Board approved an additional increase to the repurchase plan of $104,397,273, resulting in authority as of such date to repurchase up to a total of $250,000,000 under the plan.
 

Item 6. EXHIBITS
 
Exhibit Number
 
Description
     
10.1
 
Amendment No. 1 effective October 3, 2007 to Trust Agreement effective January 1, 2003 among Platinum Bermuda, Platinum US and State Street Bank.
 
31.1
 
Certification of Michael D. Price, Chief Executive Officer of Platinum Holdings, pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a) or Rule 15d-14(a) of the Exchange Act.
 
31.2
 
Certification of James A. Krantz, Chief Financial Officer of Platinum Holdings, pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a) or Rule 15d-14(a) of the Exchange Act.
 
32.1
 
Certification of Michael D. Price, Chief Executive Officer of Platinum Holdings, pursuant to 18 U.S.C. section 1350, as adopted pursuant to section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
 
32.2
 
Certification of James A. Krantz, Chief Financial Officer of Platinum Holdings, pursuant to 18 U.S.C. section 1350, as adopted pursuant to section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
 
 
 
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Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned thereunto duly authorized.

 
Platinum Underwriters Holdings, Ltd.
   

Date: October 31, 2007
/s/  Michael D. Price
 
By: Michael D. Price
 
President and Chief Executive Officer
(Principal Executive Officer)

Date: October 31, 2007
/s/  James A. Krantz
 
By: James A. Krantz
 
Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer
(Principal Financial and Accounting Officer)

 
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